NCAA juniors MVP Luis Pablo leaves UP for La Salle

MANILA, Philippines -- Luis Pablo is going home to La Salle.

Defending champions La Salle Green Archers shored up its frontline with the addition of the 6-foot-7 Pablo, the university announced Thursday.

He will be eligible to play in UAAP Season 88.

Pablo, who earlier bagged the NCAA Season 98 Juniors MVP for the La Salle Green Hills Greenies, played for the UP Fighting Maroons in Season 86.

He, however, played sparingly in his rookie year.

“I want to showcase what I can do. I am excited to be given a chance to show that,” the 19-year-old big man said.

“I will really make sure that I can showcase my skills and exceed the expectations of everyone, especially me,” he added.

Team official Awoo Lacson welcomed the return of Pablo, saying he is “one of our sons in our La Salle program and we want them back.”

“We want them to play for us. We want to win with them. It’s our commitment to help them become winners,” he said.

“I think Luis’ abilities cannot be measured at this point. He is full of potential. He will be able to mature to become a very dependable veteran. I think he’s going to help our program be successful for the years to come,” he added.

The young gun’s addition is expected to greatly help La Salle by Season 88, when Michael Phillips will have his final year of eligibility.

Raven Cortez and foreign student-athlete Henry Agunnane will be in their fourth playing year by then.

“I trust the plan of the Lord for me. I really listened to my family, my mother and father. They thought this would be really good for me,” Pablo said.

It was a busy offseason for the defending champions, as they earlier secured the services of NCAA champion Jacob Cortez and former NU Bulldog Kean Baclaan.