UAAP: Under fire, Kean Baclaan keeps focus on adjusting to NU

NU guard Kean Baclaan. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Rookie Kean Baclaan wants to let his game do the talking after taking flak when he took a U-turn from playing for University of Santo Tomas in the preseason to enrolling at National University two months before the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament.

The highly-touted rookie had a fine debut with eight points, three rebounds, five assists and four steals to help NU beat University of the East, 77-70, on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

With high expectations, Baclaan keeps his focus on adjusting with the Bulldogs.

“Sa sobrang daming sinasabi ng mga tao, siyempe sa akin, gusto ko lang magpakita kung ano yung laro ko,” said Baclaan, who suffered from cramps in the fourth quarter but still managed to finish the game.

“Adjustment pa talaga ako sa NU. Wala pa akong two months sa NU. Siguro kailangan ko i-adjust yung depensa ko pa.”

(I hear a lot from people. But for me, I just want to show my game. I’m still adjusting here at NU because I just joined the team two months ago. I have to work on my defense.)

Baclaan played for UST in the PBA D-League and FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup before moving to NU.

NU head coach Jeff Napa was pleased with his rookie’s debut considering that he’s still in transition mode.

“Kean is still adjusting with our pace. Maybe he’s overeager because he wants to prove something. Daming kasing naririnig yung pangalan niya so may gigil factor,” Napa said.

The 5-foot-8 guard is just glad that he realized his dream to play in the UAAP. He’s eager to be a better player as the season goes on.

“I’m so happy because this is my dream. Our game today wasn’t that good. But this is a lesson for us to improve as a team and as individuals on Wednesday,” Baclaan said.

NU eyes its second win against Ateneo on Wednesday at PhilSports Arena.