Paeng Are has played his final game in the NCAA, officially bidding farewell to San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
The development was confirmed to Tiebreaker Times by Golden Stags head coach Rob Labagala.
Earlier this year, Are had considered turning professional but ultimately decided to stay and serve as one of the leaders of the Golden Stags’ new era under the management of Jackson Chua.
However, his final NCAA season was brief. Are appeared in only three games, averaging 3.67 points, 2.67 rebounds, and 1.33 assists in 15 minutes per game.
In what would be his last outing, he logged just two minutes in San Sebastian’s breakthrough 100-94 victory over the Lyceum Pirates on October 10.
Last season, Are had been the league’s leading scorer, posting averages of 17.88 points, 4.24 rebounds, 4.35 assists, and 2.53 steals per game.
San Sebastian currently holds a 1-4 record in Group B of NCAA Season 101, following a 59-46 loss to JRU on Wednesday.
According to multiple sources monitoring the situation, Are is likely to join Zamboanga Sikat in the MPBL.
Sikat are currently coached by former Golden Stags head coach Egay Macaraya.
Seventh-seeded Zamboanga will face second-seed Batangas Tanduay in the South Division Quarterfinals, a best-of-three series beginning Thursday.
