La Salle coach Topex Robinson with his new recruits. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Eager to return to the Final Four and regain its basketball glory, La Salle beefed up its roster for the UAAP Season 86 later this year.
Rhyle Melencio and Ethan Alian, a pair of homegrown talents from La Salle, have committed to play for the Green Archers.
Melencio said choosing La Salle gave him “goosebumps,” adding that it’s a dream come true for him and his family.
“When I committed with La Salle, I got goosebumps because I could not believe that my dream since I was a child was fulfilled. Of course, I thank coach (Topex Robinson) for helping me achieve my dreams,”said Melencio, the No. 1 ranked high school player in the NBTC.
The 6-foot-4 Melencio raised his stock after a dominant campaign in the UAAP Season 85 boys’ basketball tournament with 14 registered double-doubles.
Alian, who helped the Greenies reach the NCAA Season 98 boys’ basketball tournament Finals, shared the same sentiment as Melencio.
“For me, it’s a dream come true because I’ve been here since I was in Grade 6. I feel like my development, not just as a player but also as a student will be good with the community, coach Topex, teammates and managers,” said Alian, whose high school teammates Luis Pablo, Seven Gagate, and Josh Coronel opted to play for University of the Philippines.
Alian, a 6-foot-1 guard, averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.6 steals for La Salle Greenhills.
Apart from Melencio and Alian, La Salle also officially landed another promising recruit in Vhoris Marasigan.
Marasigan, who played for the San Beda Red Cubs, saw action in the NBTC National Finals and averaged 16.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
The three join La Salle mainstays Kevin Quiambao, Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy for the upcoming UAAP season.
The Green Archers just missed the Final Four last season with a 7-7 record after losing to the Adamson Falcons in a playoff for the No. 4 spot.
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