The senior guard will be a key piece in the series.
Evan Nelle has been considered, albeit half-jokingly, the bravest baller in the UAAP. Starting this Wednesday, he has one final shot to become a King Archer.
The guard helped the De La Salle Green Archers last Saturday to advance to the finals of UAAP Season 86 after they beat the NU Bulldogs.
"It's (finals) gonna be sweet. I'm gonna cherish every moment," Nelle told the UAAP Varsity Channel after the 97-73 victory.
He scored 15 points on 6-of-10 field goals, along with five rebounds, eight assists, and two steals.
But as sweet as this is for Nelle, who's playing in his final year, he's not resting just yet.
"We're in the finals, but job's not done. We're happy but it's not done," he said.
"We have a lot to prepare pa. We got UP (Fighting Maroons). They're gonna come out blazing. We just gotta match them, or maybe do more," he added.
The Green Archers are entering the finals for the 17th time in the Final Four era, the most in the UAAP, according to league statistician Pong Ducanes.
And in a year when King Archers of old such as Renren Ritualo, Mike Cortez, and Jeron Teng have been celebrated, it might just be fitting for another batch to wear the crown.
But they're quite the challengers in this scenario.
The last time the Green Archers reached the finals was in Season 80. They last won the title in Season 79.
They are going up against the Fighting Maroons, a resurgent squad that has reached four of the last five finals, including winning it all in Season 84.
RELATED STORY: Topex Robinson says La Salle not underdogs after return trip to UAAP finals
It's looking to be an interesting reclamation of the kingdom.
Game 1 of the UAAP finals starts this Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
It will be aired live on One Sports, the UAAP Varsity Channel, and the Pilipinas Live app.
(With reports from Julio Sampedro, One Sports Digital)
(PM)