Kean Baclaan penned an emotional message as he officially bid farewell to the La Salle Green Archers, closing the chapter on his collegiate career following a successful championship run in the UAAP.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Baclaan looked back on his long and winding journey to Taft, one marked by rejection, patience, and perseverance.
“First of all, I want to thank everyone who supported me throughout my journey. This has been my dream school since I was a kid, and just being here already feels like a victory,” Baclaan wrote.
“I will truly miss our bond as a team—the college life, the bonding moments, the challenges every practice, and even the arguments we had during practice.”
From Rejection to Redemption
Baclaan revealed that his path to La Salle was far from straightforward, recalling two painful rejections before finally getting his chance to wear green and white.
“I was rejected by La Salle twice. The first time was when I was in elementary at La Salle Zobel… The second time was during my rookie year, when I was supposed to be recruited to Taft, but another player was chosen over me, which led me to NU.”
He began his UAAP career with the NU Bulldogs, where he played for two seasons before transferring to La Salle and serving his residency. Baclaan eventually suited up for the Green Archers in Season 88, playing a key role in their championship campaign.
In his lone season with La Salle, Baclaan averaged 7.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, and provided steady guard play off the bench. His season, however, was nearly derailed after suffering an MCL tear that threatened to sideline him for the rest of the year. Baclaan managed to return just in time for the playoffs—and made the most of it.
“In this photo, I never imagined that I would score the final point in that championship game,” he shared.
“Despite everything I went through the entire season—my injury and all the struggles—I never thought I would be the one to take the last shot before winning the championship.”
Baclaan emphasized how meaningful his short but impactful stint with La Salle was, both on and off the court.
“My two years in La Salle were more than worth it because they changed my life. I learned so much… not only about basketball but also about life itself.”
As he turns professional, Baclaan said that no final decision has been made regarding his next team, but he made one thing clear—La Salle will always be part of him.
“As of now, there is still no final decision on which team I will be joining, but wherever I go, I will always carry the Lasallian spirit with me. ANIMO!”
Baclaan-less La Salle
Although La Salle will move forward without Baclaan in the upcoming season, his departure leaves behind a championship memory that will be hard to forget.
The Green Archers now face the challenge of retooling their guard rotation, while Baclaan steps into the next phase of his basketball journey—one shaped by resilience, gratitude, and a title-winning moment he will forever call his own.
ANIMO, indeed.
