UAAP: Kean Baclaan, eyed by La Salle and UP, leaves NU Bulldogs

FILE–Kean Baclaan.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRERnet

MANILA, Philippines—Kean Baclaan confirmed that he has parted ways with National University after two UAAP seasons.

The incoming third-year point guard told INQUIRER.net that he already bid farewell to the Bulldogs but politely declined to disclose his reason for leaving.

Baclaan said he is still pondering what’s next for his career after multiple reports came out that he is being eyed by other UAAP schools including Season 86 finalists La Salle and University of the Philippines.

“Sa ngayon wala pa (None yet). Siguro next week ko announce kung saan ako pupunta (I will probably make an announce where I’m going next week),” the 21-year-old guard said.

Inquirer sought NU coach Jeff Napa for comments about Baclaan’s departure but he has yet to respond as of posting time.

Kean Baclaan.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Interestingly, Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao, Baclaan’s childhood friend from Muntinlupa, shared a report of the NU guard’s departure with a 😳 emoji.

The 5-foot-8 Baclaan averaged 10.7 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in his sophomore season as the Bulldogs reached the Final Four as the third seed only to be eliminated by the twice-to-beat and eventual champions Green Archers with a 97-73 rout.

Before he joined NU, Baclaan played for the University of Santo Tomas in preseason leagues last year in the PBA D-League and Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup but he had a change of heart and transferred to the Bulldogs.

Mike Malonzo and John Gallinato were the only players who had exhausted their playing years with NU at the end of Season 86.