The sight of Kevin Quiambao and Joshua David with tears in their eyes as they ended their careers at De La Salle University is something Jacob Cortez and Kean Baclaan would like to forget.
Now, the backcourt duo of Cortez and Baclaan is using that painful moment as fuel for their own drive.
Baclaan, a childhood friend of Quiambao, admitted that the 6-foot-7 all-around forward turning pro after his third year was no longer a surprise.
Although Baclaan had hoped to play one more year with his best friend, he understands that it is necessary for Quiambao’s future and his family.
“Honestly, last year ko pa alam na 50/50 na siya na mag-stay sa La Salle, pero para sa’kin, sobrang saya ko na mag-pro na siya kasi yun yung pangarap niya, eh, since nung bata kami,” said Baclaan, a former DLSZ Junior Archer.
“Sobrang proud ako sa kanya kasi sobrang disiplinado niya sa lahat ng bagay. Actually, siya yung ni-look up ko ngayon – yung attitude, discipline, at huling-huli yung work ethic niya as a player,” he went on.
“May kasamang lungkot din, syempre. Gusto ko siya makasama kahit isang season lang, pero yun talaga yung destiny niya. Masyado na siyang malakas sa mundo ng college. Pro-ready na talaga si Kevs.”
(C) UCAL
Meanwhile, during his brief time at La Salle, Cortez had grown close to Joshua David.
It pains him to see David’s collegiate career end in such heartbreak.
“After what happened, that just added more motivation for us. After losing like that and seeing Josh go out like that, I don’t see that as fine with me,” said Cortez, a former LSGH Greenie.
“I’m going to do anything and everything I can to win again for DLSU.”
The duo of Cortez and Baclaan – along with the frontline of Mason Amos and Luis Pablo – are expected to strengthen Topex Robinson’s lineup as they aim for redemption next season.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Baclaan expressed that La Salle’s “residency boys” are determined to avenge their fallen comrades.
(C) UCAL
“For me, no pressure, lalo na sa’min na nagre-residency, and alam ko naman na hindi kami pupunta sa gera na hindi kami naghahanda. Kumbaga, this off-season pa lang magtatrabaho na kami, mag-a-adjust na kami sa sistema na meron si Coach Topex. Pumasok kami sa team na championship contender, so para sa’min, residency boys, no pressure,” said Baclaan.
“Lastly, after the game, sabi ko sa kanila, ‘Babawi tayo sa mga seniors.’ Kahit kay CJ (Austria), Mike (Phillips), at kay KQ, sinabi ko, ‘Babawi tayo!’ Sobrang excited na kami this upcoming off-season.”
