After a long and difficult decision-making process, Migs Palanca has finally chosen where he will take the next step in his basketball journey.
And it’s University of the Philippines.
The 6-foot-7 forward made his decision on Tuesday after much thought and reflection.
For Palanca, one key factor ultimately guided his choice: finding a place where he could grow not just as an athlete, but also as a student.
“Siyempre, nag-consult din po ako sa family ko sa mga offers na nakuha ko pero sinabi naman po nila, kung saan sa tingin ko na mag-grow ako, doon ako mag-commit,” said the 19-year-old native of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte.
“Thankful po ako sa mga schools na nakausap namin pero sa UP ko po nakikita sarili ko kung saan ako made-develop. Maganda po kasi ang programa ni Coach Gold (Monteverde) na lahat po nakakalaro at nagkakakumpyansa and, siyempre po, alam po natin na UP is one of the top universities sa bansa po natin.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
After the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament, several UAAP and NCAA schools expressed strong interest in Palanca, hoping to land the versatile big man.
Palanca, who averaged 10.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks during his Grade 12 season, remains grateful to each of them, sharing how the experience added excitement to the final stretch of his high school career.
On June 4, Palanca officially said goodbye to Bulldogs head coach Jeff Napa.
“Siyempre po, very thankful pa din ako sa management ng NU, kayla Coach Jeff (Napa) at coach Kev (De Castro),” he shared.
Palanca will reinforce a Fighting Maroons squad that lost the likes of Quentin Millora-Brown, Francis Lopez, and Aldous Torculas during the off-season.
Still, the towering forward is embracing the challenge ahead with humility and a willingness to learn.
“Exciting na nakakakaba. Handa naman akong matuto sa mga kuya ko, lalo na doon kayla Kuya Gerry (Abadiano), Kuya Harold (Alarcon), Kuya Terrence (Fortea), Kuya Janjan (Felicilda), at Kuya Reyland (Torres) na pa-graduate na,” he said.
“Alam kong madami akong matutunan sa kanila both on and off the court.”
