San Sebastian’s Kenneth Villapando. –Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—San Sebastian’s Kenneth Villapando has opted out of NCAA Season 99 to apply for the PBA Rookie Draft.
A source closely tied to the situation confirmed to INQUIRER.net that Villapando decided to forgo his final playing year with the Golden Stags on Wednesday to try his luck at the professional level.
Losing Villapando is just one of the Golden Stags’ many losses in the offseason.
Veteran guard Itchie Altamirano exhausted all his playing years, leaving San Sebastian’s point guard position with a huge gap.
To start the year, San Sebastian parted ways with long-time coach Egay Macaraya and hired John Kallos to be its new tactician.
Soon after, James Una, who served as a frontcourt enforcer for Macaraya transferred to University of Santo Tomas alongside San Beda standout Rhayyan Amsali.
Last Season 98, Villapando averaged an efficient stat line of 7.8 points and 7.4 rebounds in 18 games.
He ended his stint with San Sebastian with only two markers, eight boards and three assists in a 75-67 loss against Mapua in November.
San Sebastian just barely missed the Final Four with an 8-10 record under former coach Macaraya.
As it stands, the Golden Stags will bank on the talents of mainstays Rommel Calahat, Jessie Sumoda and Rhinwil Yambing.