Kurt Laput is ready to take the next big leap in his basketball career — transitioning from the UCAL to the UAAP.
The 5-foot-9 guard from Ormoc, Leyte has transferred from Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas to the University of Santo Tomas, making a rare jump to the country’s premier collegiate league.
Laput, 21, has served as the steady floor general for the LPU-Batangas Pirates over the past two seasons, showcasing his leadership and playmaking abilities.
“Habangbuhay ako na may utang na loob sa LPU sa opportunity na binigay nila sa akin. Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, wala ako dito ngayon,” said Laput, a product of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu.
“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Dr. Peter (Laurel) at lalong lalo na po kay Sir Paolo (Laurel) para sa tsansa na binigay nila sa akin. Thank you din kayla Coach JC (Nuyles) at kay Coach Jason (Misolas) sa paggabay nila sa akin.”
(c) UCAL
During UCAL Season 7, Laput averaged 11.5 points, 5.3 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, numbers that had initially positioned him for a move to LPU’s Manila program.
However, an offer from UST Growling Tigers head coach Pido Jarencio and team manager Waiyip Chong changed the course of his journey — one he ultimately couldn’t turn down.
“Humihingi rin ako ng paumanhin kay President Bobby (Laurel), Coach Gilbert (Malabanan), at kay Sir Allan (Layco). Alam ko may pagkakamali din ako sa nangyaring ito pero ito po ang napagdesisyunan namin ng papa ko po,” Laput admitted.
“Sa UST po, dadalhin ko po ang mga lessons na natutunan ko sa LPU. Ime-make sure ko po na magiging proud po sila sa akin.”
Jumping from the UCAL to the UAAP is a rare accomplishment, previously achieved by only a few, including Lenard Santiago (CEU to NU) and DJ Laconsay (MCU to NU).
Laput will have to complete a one-year residency before becoming eligible to play for UST in UAAP Season 89, where he is expected to take the reins following the graduation of Forthsky Padrigao.
“Sa one year residency ko po, aaralin ko po yung sistema ni Coach Pido at matututo po ako kay Kuya Forthsky. Sisiguraduhin ko po na magiging ready po ako sa UAAP,” said Laput.
“Bihira ang opportunity na ito, lalo para sa player na tulad ko kaya hindi ko ito sasayangin.”
