By: Miguel Caramoan
For an Arellano Braves program still seeking a breakthrough since the return of NCAA Juniors Basketball in Season 98, Sean Franco’s arrival felt like a breath of fresh air.
Even amid another tough campaign in Season 100, Franco immediately made his mark, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors and a spot on the All-Defensive Team.
His tenacity and skill became the foundation for the Braves’ resurgence this season, as he led them to an 8-5 elimination record and their first finals appearance since Season 91.
Franco capped off an impressive season by being named Most Valuable Player, while also clinching a back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year award.
“Masaya ako sa nakuha na MVP na individual award, pero alam ko na marami pa dapat ako pagsikapan sa mga susunod na liga,” said the 6-foot-2 forward.
In the finals, however, the Braves ran into a surging Letran Squires squad and were swept in two games. Still, Arellano showed heart, pushing Game 2 to overtime.
In a heart-wrenching 91-88 loss, the Braves held a 74-71 lead with just nine seconds left after Franco split his free throws.
Alvin Villanueva’s clutch triple tied the game, forcing extra time and ultimately sealing Letran’s win.
“Mas maganda nilaro namin kanina [Game 2], kaya syempre masakit kasi talo kami and kasi last ko na kasama sila, kaya nakakahinayang,” reflected Franco, who tallied 17 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks in his final high school game.
Franco’s standout NCAA juniors career now positions him as a high-value prospect for the collegiate scene.
Historically, the NCAA Juniors MVP award has been a stepping stone to the UAAP, with six of the last seven recipients making the leap: La Salle Green Hills’ Troy Mallillin (Ateneo), Malayan’s Will Gozum (UP), LSGH’s JD Cagulangan (La Salle), LSGH’s Luis Pablo (UP), Perpetual’s Amiel Acido (UST), and Perpetual’s Lebron Jhames Daep (La Salle).
Lyceum’s Ato Barba was the last MVP to remain in the NCAA for his entire college career.
Despite the attention, Franco remains focused on Arellano for now.
“Depende, pero stay pa rin sa Arellano. Wala naman offers from other school sa ngayon,” said the 19-year-old Cagayan De Oro native.
Should he commit to the Arellano Chiefs, he would immediately strengthen a senior squad led by star guard T-Mc Ongotan and Season 101 Most Improved Player Renzo Abierra.
“Sobrang saya na yung mga kuya na lagi ako pinapansin sa ensayo, makakasama ko na sa court next season. Sana matulungan nila ako na mag-grow pa,” Franco said, hopeful for what lies ahead.
