Another former TIP Engineer has found a new home.
Six-foot-five forward Warren Calara has committed to De La Salle University.
This was confirmed by multiple sources closely monitoring the situation and Calara himself.
Calara almost did not join the Green Archers, however, since he and fellow Engineer Ximone Sandagon had planned to enter La Salle together. With Sandagon deciding to go to Far Eastern University, Calara almost went to Mapua or Arellano.
A phone call by Derrick Pumaren changed the 19-year-old’s mind, though.
“Pupunta dapat ako sa Arellano o Mapua pero kinausap ako ni Coach Derrick, kaya nag-commit ako sa La Salle,” he told Tiebreaker Times.
During the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup, Calara averaged 7.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per contest. He played back-up to Papa N’Diaye and Bryan Santos — the latter is heading for University of Santo Tomas after TIP’s disbandment.
Calara — who will be eligible for Season 84 together with Evan Nelle, CJ Austria, and Emman Galman — looks to bulk up during the off-season and improve on his defense.
“Siguro magagawa ko rin ‘yung mga nagawa ko sa TIP. Need ko pa mag-improve sa driving at defense — lalo na sa defense,” said the lanky forward.
“Kilala naman kasi si Coach Derrick sa depensa.”
If he suits up in Season 84, he will have four years of eligibility with the Green Archers. And he knows there will be pressure that comes with wearing the green and white.
“Medyo makakagaan sa loob na may mga kasabayan ako kasi pare-pareho kaming bago. Pero siyempre may pressure kasi La Salle na ito e.”
