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Former La Salle guard Aljun Melecion. FILE PHOTO FOR CONSULTATION
MANILA, Philippines – A pair of La Salle standouts made contrasting decisions just before Wednesday’s deadline for the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft application.
Guard Aljun Melecio has decided to give up his last year at UAAP with the Green Archers and enter the rookie draft scheduled for March 14.
In an emotional post on social media, Melecio said goodbye to La Salle, whom he helped win the UAAP title in season 79.
There are some things in life that we cannot control, and this was one of them. This was not the ending I expected …
Posted by Aljun Jay Aloba Melecio on Tuesday, January 26, 2021
“There are some things in life that we cannot control, and this was one of them. This was not the end I expected for my time playing for green and white, ”he wrote. “Being the captain of the team in my last year as a player, I hardly let go, but there are some difficult but important decisions that we must make.
After shortening season 82, the UAAP was forced to cancel its season 83 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“From watching the Green Archers on TV as a kid in Valencia City Bukidnon to finally representing La Salle, holding the banner high and bright was a dream come true for me. I am more than grateful to the Lasallian Community for giving me the opportunity to show my talents and improve my skills, ”said Melecio, former UAAP Rookie of the Year.
“This is a painful announcement, but it’s one I have to make: I’m entering the 2021 PBA Draft.”
The great man Justine Baltazar Room. FILE PHOTO CONSULTATION
But while Melecio chose to test his mettle on the pros, his college teammate Justine Baltazar did the opposite.
Baltazar, widely regarded as one of the best big men in college today, has reportedly decided to skip this year’s PBA Draft and stay at La Salle.
6-foot-7, Baltazar, who was a member of UAAP’s 82nd Mythical Five after averaging 15.1 points and 11.8 rebounds, will also focus on his duties as part of the Gilas Pilipinas program.
Photo by Tristan Tamayo / INQUIRER.net
Meanwhile, current NCAA MVP Calvin Oftana is also running for the draft.
Oftana helped Gilas Pilipinas sweep Thailand in the second window of the 2021 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers last November.
The San Beda stalwart was joined by fellow Gilas groupmates Jaydee Tungcab and Will Navarro in the talent-laden draft, which currently has a record number of applicants of 94.
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