Decision to return worth it for Sargent, Perkins

Julian Sargent kisses his kid after winning the UAAP Season 79 Championship.

La Salle was already loaded and dominating in the preseason that it didn’t really need veterans Jason Perkins and Julian Sargent to return for their final year.

But the two didn’t want their swansong to be a gloomy one after last year’s absence from the Final Four, when the school placed fifth.

And on Wednesday, as confetti rained down from the rafters of the Smart Araneta Coliseum, what was a dream to them back in the summer is now a reality.

“Words don’t even describe it,” said Sargent. “Coming back and winning it (championship) with my bros, I can’t put into words. It’s just pure happiness.”

Perkins added, “It’s definitely worth it. I’m just really thankful right now.”

Their playing time took a hit under head coach Aldin Ayo, who leaned on season MVP Ben Mbala and Finals MVP Jeron Teng, but they had moments too in the championship series when the mentor minimized his rotation and banked on their experience to seal their second title in four years.

But with or without any playing time, what matters more for both Sargent and Perkins is the title.

“It’s a big deal for me to win the championship,” said 6-foot-4 Perkins. “I was hoping to get more, but I can’t really thank (La Salle) enough. I’m so happy.”

Sargent also expressed his gratitude to Ayo for allowing the pair to have one more run with the Green Archers.

“I just really want to thank him (Ayo) for letting me come back to La Salle,” he said.

“If I would have missed it, I would have regretted it cause winning the championship it’s like the greatest feeling in the world.”