THOUGHTS | KEAN BACLAAN TURNS PRO

Kean Baclaan just turned 23. And while DLSU’s championship run helped erase the sting of his rough Season 88, he has decided to forgo his final UAAP year and turn pro with the MPBL’s Caloocan Batang Kankaloo.

And when I say rough, I mean it was unfortunate that his supposed final season was spent mostly playing through an injury.

Yes, Baclaan returned in time to help the Green Archers win the title, but the ideal ending would have been a full year of dominance, individual awards, and staying healthy. Instead, a dangerous foul by Wello Lingolingo sidelined him for nearly two months and derailed what should have been a beast-mode season.

From Caloocan’s perspective, this is a massive pickup. The Batang Kankaloo turned heads in the 2025 MPBL Playoffs by eliminating the defending champions, Pampanga Giant Lanterns, in the North Division quarterfinals before eventually bowing to the Abra Weavers, the eventual champions. If they want to build on that momentum, upgrading the roster is the obvious move. Aside from Baclaan, Caloocan also added former Perpetual Altas and TNT Tropang 5G guard Jielo Razon, along with ex-Benilde Blazer Jake Gaspay.

I get why some fans dislike Baclaan’s decision, but I honestly think this is the smarter move.

First, turning pro means better financial support for his family. College players do get allowances, and I doubt DLSU is stingy, but the pro circuit clearly offers more opportunities.

Second, if the MPBL becomes more streamlined this season with several teams taking a leave of absence, that only gives him more room to grow. The league already feels like a modern-day PBL, where players have more control over their careers. Add in the chance to learn from former PBA players, and it becomes a valuable development ground. Yes, he will have to deal with errant elbows and brutal hometown calls, but that’s also how players toughen up and raise their game.

More importantly, Baclaan puts himself in a position to knock on the PBA’s door at just 24 years old, which is very young by rookie standards. For context, Carl Tamayo turns 25 this February, Kevin Quiambao turns 25 in April, and Kai Sotto turns 24 in May. Whether his next step is the PBA or an overseas offer, this path clearly opens more doors for him.

I really hate how his UAAP career ended, because aside from the championship, he deserved a final season filled with monster numbers.

That said, here’s hoping Kean Baclaan has a strong MPBL run and plays his way into a possible first-round selection in the 2027 PBA Draft.