For Kean Baclaan, the thought of his UAAP Season 88 campaign ending before it truly began was crushing.
Having already sat out a year due to residency rules, he only had two years to play for De La Salle University.
Sitting on the sidelines with an MCL injury sustained against University of the East on October 15, the possibility of missing another season weighed heavily on him.
But on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Baclaan made a triumphant return, helping the Green Archers secure an 87-77 victory over National University to force a rubber match in their Final Four series.
“I really only thought about God,” Baclaan said. “I told myself, He’s the only one who can help me in this situation.
“Of course, I also wanted to get healthy until we manage the finals.”
The 5-foot-7 court general from Muntinlupa City contributed six points and two assists, giving relief to teammate Jacob Cortez and reminding everyone that La Salle’s campaign is far from over.
“Masaya ako dahil nakatulong ako sa team ngayon. Nababawasan yung pagod kay Jacob, and at least kahit papano nakakatulong ako sa team,” he added.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Despite the joy of returning, Baclaan was self-critical, noting his turnovers and moments of inconsistency against the Bulldogs.
“Tatlo yung turnovers ko. Di ko nga alam bakit ako nandito eh,” he joked. “But I’m just so happy to play again.
“This has been my dream since I moved to La Salle. It’s not over yet. We still have a game against them on Saturday, so we’re ready.”
Baclaan’s comeback couldn’t have come at a better time.
A combination of his determination and scheduling delays — the November 9 game suspension due to bad weather and last Saturday’s Cheerdance Competition — gave him the opportunity to return.
Encouraged by coach Topex Robinson and cleared by the medical team, Baclaan worked tirelessly to make it happen.
“Lagi ko na lang sinasabi na sobrang happy ako kasi nakabalik ako, at siyempre against sa former team ko pa,” he said.
“Need ko land din talaga mag-focus para makatulong sa team.”
Having a guard of Baclaan’s caliber available with a finals berth on the line is a huge advantage.
But Robinson emphasized that La Salle will only play him if he is fully fit.
“Depending on what the medical team tells me,” said the Season 86 champion mentor, “kung ano lang nag kaya, yun lang ibibigay namin. We’re not gonna force it because it’s a do-or-die game.
“We’re not gonna put Kean’s career in harm’s way. We’re just gonna make sure that the minutes he gets will be valuable to support Jacob as we go on through this final game this Saturday.”
