Will Baclaan and Cortez indeed suit up for the Green Archers? We'll find out soon enough.
Just over a month after bringing back the UAAP crown to Taft, the De La Salle Green Archers certainly look to be the favorites to go back-to-back come Season 87.
Such is the luxury afforded by the champs.
And amidst rumors of De La Salle adding two star guards for Season 87 and beyond, the undisputed star Archer gives his take, and he's certainly welcoming.
“100% gustong gusto ko siya sa La Salle dahil kababata ko nga siya and mag-best friend kami," UAAP Season 86 MVP and Finals MVP Kevin Quiambao said.
Of course, Quiambao is talking about Kean Baclaan, the spitfire guard who recently announced his departure from National University.
In Season 86, Baclaan averaged 10.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists for the third-place Bulldogs.
"Hopefully, strongly consider niya La Salle and aantayin ko siya,” Quiambao added during the Strong Group Athletics’ media availability on Wednesday.
Aside from Baclaan, San Beda Red Lions star Jacob Cortez is also strongly getting linked to the Green Archers. Jacob has ties to De La Salle, his father being team icon Mike Cortez.
During the Red Lions’ championship run in NCAA Season 99, the young Cortez led San Beda with averages of 15.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
“Kung ano ‘yung maibibigay nila and kung ano ‘yung gusto ni coach Topex, susunod lang ako," Quiambao said.
"Mas maganda kasama ko sila pero it depends on coach Topex and management,” he added.
Regardless if De La Salle lands the two star guards or not, the Green Archers already got their most coveted commitment, with KQ set to run it back for Season 87.
Quiambao, the UAAP's first local-born MVP since 2015, averaged 16.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.4 steals for DLSU. Along the way, he also recorded two triple-doubles for the Green Archers and eventually, led the team to their first title since Season 79.
Can DLSU flank KQ with two more talented guards? Only time will tell.