Liam Salangsang made sure to cap off his high school career with a bang.
The 19-year-old son of former PBA player Allan Salangsang went on an absolute tear in the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ High School 3×3 Basketball Tournament, leading Far Eastern University-Diliman to back-to-back championships.
For the 5-foot-11 combo guard, it was the perfect ending—especially after a disappointing third-place finish in the 5-on-5 tournament.
“Siyempre sobrang saya kasi eto yung pinaka last na tournament ko sa UAAP high school,” said Salangsang.
“Left on high note talaga at nakabawi kami sa talo namin sa 5-on-5.”
The Baby Tamaraws asserted their dominance throughout most of the tournament, eventually setting up a finals showdown against archrivals, the NU-Nazareth School Bullpups.
In a tightly contested title match, Salangsang teamed up with junior Cabs Cabonillas to deliver the game’s final blows—Salangsang scoring the go-ahead bucket and delivering a clutch stop to seal the 16-15 win over Migs Palanca and the Bullpups.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Salangsang averaged 6.56 points—hitting 19 shots from beyond the arc—along with 5.0 rebounds, en route to claiming the 3×3 MVP crown.
“Siyempre mas maluwag yung spacing dito at mas physical kasi lahat gusto maka-score,” he said, reflecting on the differences in the 3×3 format.
Coming off a strong showing in 5-on-5 play a few months ago—where he averaged 10.4 points on 39-percent shooting—Salangsang hopes his overall performance in both formats will catch the attention of top colleges in the country, including FEU.
So far, though, interest has been limited.
“Sana makatulong ito,” he admitted.
Motivated to leave a lasting impression, Salangsang played with fire and focus throughout the six-day tournament at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
“Laking bagay na yung last kong game sa high school is champion. Laking confidence-booster nito,” he said.
“Yung experience ko sa 3×3 and 5-on-5, makakatulong sa akin yun.”
