Ladis Lepalam was in a dilemma heading into the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball Tournament.
During the offseason, Lepalam admitted that he was lost and was looking for a place to stay to find his growth. Literally.
The 6-foot-10 big man, along with Mark Sangco, received offers from Colegio de San Juan de Letran, promising him the growth that he was looking for.
“Yung desisyon na yun kasi parang biglaan lang e. Kasi may hinahanap lang ako na… Parang nafee-feel ko kasi na kailangan ko lumabas sa comfort zone ko,” said Lepalam who has been with the Blazer since 2019.
“Kaya yung desisyon na yun ang unang pumasok sa isip ko. Pero lahat lahat ng desisyon na yon ay parang yun na lang ang way ko nun. Di ko rin iniisip yung mga nangyari sakin dito sa Benilde.”
During the three-week break the Blazers had after the Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup, Letran made a strong push to get both Lepalam and Sangco.
Lepalam, 22, had three years of eligibility left.
A week before the season, Lepalam made his decision. He stayed with his family.
“Unti-unti narealize ko din na kailangan kong mag-stay kasi kailangan ako ng team, kailangan kong tumulong sa team and mahal ako ng mga coach and mga players,” Lepalam shared.
“Sa totoo lang kasi napamahal na talaga ako sa team eh and ang hirap umalis ng biglaan na ganon-ganon.
“Narealize ko din talaga na yun nga isa ako don sa mga backup ng mga players, tulad nila Will, yun nga. Narealize ko din na kailnagan ko mag-stay at kailangan din ako ng coaches namin,” said Lepalam, who owes his career to head coach Charles Tiu.
And he hopes that he made the right choice.
