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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider Kean Baclaan leaves De La Salle, jumps to pro ranks

Kean Baclaan leaves De La Salle, jumps to pro ranks

Published Jan 28, 2026 05:44 pm

At A Glance

  • Baclaan bade farewell after a one-and-done stint with the Green Archers, he announced on his social media post Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Kean Baclaan (UAAP Media)
Kean Baclaan (UAAP Media)
Moments after winning his first-ever UAAP title with De La Salle University in Season 88, Kean Baclaan was elated and revealed his intentions of winning a back-to-back crown.
But that quickly faded.
Baclaan bade farewell after a one-and-done stint with the Green Archers, he announced on his social media post Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Reported by Spin.ph and Tiebreaker Times first, the 22-year-old Baclaan, who served a one-year residency before winning his first collegiate title along with key players Luis Pablo, Mason Amos, and Jacob Cortez, kissed goodbye to the Taft-based squad as he decided to jump to the professional ranks.
“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,” said Baclaan.
“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,” he added.
Baclaan's first year in the UAAP hit a major roadblock after sustaining a right medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear in La Salle’s 111-110 overtime escape over University of the East on Oct. 15, at Mall of Asia Arena.
The cat-quick 5-foot-10 guard returned when he and the Green Archers clashed against his former school and twice-to-beat National University in the semifinals last Dec. 3. They ultimately won the series.
Baclaan clarified that there has been no final decision on his next club at the professional level.
“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!” he concluded.
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