By MARK REY MONTEJO
To end all the nasty talks and distractions regarding the departure of rising star Lebron Jhames Daep, University of Perpetual Help and La Salle officials officially shook hands recently to bury the hatchet and allow the former “prince” of the Junior Altas to move on and adapt to his new environment as he chases his dream.
Many basketball aficionados were left totally shocked when they learned that the 6-foot-7 Daep opted to start his collegiate career at the Taft-based school and not to his home for more than three years.
But with the handshake between UPH vice president for Sports Anton Tamayo and La Salle coach Topex Robinson, all the speculations – whether good or bad for Daep – are now water under the bridge.
In a photo shared by Perpetual, Tamayo was seen shaking hands with Robinson along with Daep in the middle in their brief meeting in the campus.
“With gratitude and pride, we celebrate this milestone with Lebron and remain confident that he will carry the Perpetualite Legacy with honor and heart,” the school wrote on a post.
The 18-year-old Daep was key in ending the Atlas’ 22-year search for a first-ever NCAA title with a gripping 2-1 win over the La Salle Green Hills Greenies that saw Daep also win the Finals MVP – a big follow up to his clinching the Season MVP.
Daep, son of former San Sebastian star Rommel Daep, also took the Defensive Player of the Year and was part of season’s Mythical Five with an average of 15.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per contest to complete a dream season.
Daep is now part of La Salle’s starting unit in the ongoing FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, and during the team’s 65-47 romp of Adamson, he tallied 4 points and 3 rebounds in 15 minutes of action.
