Lebron Jhames has made his decision.
Daep is taking his talents to Taft Avenue, officially committing to De La Salle University.
The 6-foot-7 forward finalized his decision on Friday and has moved into the team’s dormitory, marking the beginning of his collegiate journey.
“Dahil po sa Perpetual, nabigyan ako ng isang napakagandang oportunidad para sa kolehiyo,” said the 19-year-old native of Legazpi City, Albay, who will wear jersey no. 34 because of his idol Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“Matapos ang matagal na pag-uusap sa aking pamilya, napagdesisyunan po naming sa De La Salle University ko ipagpapatuloy ang aking pag-aaral.”
For the NCAA Season 100 Juniors Basketball Most Valuable Player, the choice was clear—he wanted to play under La Salle head coach Topex Robinson, a former San Sebastian teammate of his father, Rommel Daep.
“Bukod sa edukasyon na maibibigay nila, kampante rin po ang aking ama na aalagaan ako ng mga coaches ng La Salle — lalo na po si Coach Topex, na naging teammate din ng aking tatay,” Daep continued.
Robinson and Rommel played together at San Sebastian, and were even dormmates. They played together during NCAA Season 73, helping the Golden Stags complete a season sweep for their fifth straight title.
“I am thankful to Rommel for entrusting his son, Lebron, to me and to La Salle. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to guide such a talented young man, and we’re excited to have him as part of the Green Archers,” said Robinson.
“Together, we’ll work hard to help him reach his full potential, both on and off the court.”
During his final year in high school, Daep averaged 14.38 points, 9.23 rebounds, and 1.15 blocks per game, powering University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to its first-ever NCAA juniors basketball championship.
“Nagpapasalamat sa buong Perpetual community — sa Tamayo family — kay Gen. Tamayo, Boss Anton, sa lahat ng naging coaches ko, lalo na po kay Coach Joph (Cleopas). Wala po ako sa kinatatayuan ko ngayon kung hindi dahil sa inyo. Mula sa aking pag-aaral hanggang sa paglalaro ng basketball, tinulungan niyo po akong tuparin ang aking mga pangarap,” he expressed.
“Habambuhay ko pong dadalhin ang mga aral, disiplina, at pagmamahal na natutunan ko sa Perpetual.”
Eligible starting UAAP Season 88, Daep will join a reloaded Green Archers squad headlined by transferees Mason Amos, Jacob Cortez, Kean Baclaan, and Luis Pablo as they aim to reclaim the title they narrowly missed last season.
He will also get to play alongside Guillian Quines, the La Salle Green Hills guard who led the Greenies to the NCAA Finals.
To close, Daep had a message to his now-former teammates Jan Roluna, Jan Pagulayan, Aries Borja, Jericho Cristino, TJ Tabbuan, and Kelsey Baldoria, who have all remained at Perpetual.
“Sa aking mga naging teammates, good luck sa inyo. Patuloy tayong magsikap at magsilbing inspirasyon sa iba.”
