La Salle finds much-needed game changer in former UP recruit Luis Pablo

MANILA, Philippines – When Luis Pablo jumped from UP to La Salle in 2024, it felt less like a transfer and more like a true homecoming — a move that hinted at a new force rising in the post-Kevin Quiambao era.

After Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 finals, Pablo showed his move to La Salle was more than a reunion. It was a championship swing for the Archers and a painful miss for UP.

Pablo, a former high school MVP from La Salle Green Hills, proved his worth in the Green Archers’ 74-70 series-opening win against the Fighting Maroons, putting up 7 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks in the game, including some key stops down the stretch to lift La Salle late. 

The 6-foot-7 Pablo also had a tough task of helping derail the Maroons’ late rally — guarding UP’s Harold Alarcon, who had 20 points in the first half before finishing with a game-high 34. 

“I always want to challenge myself,” Pablo said. “I’m a big fan of Harold, so I really want to challenge myself to guard every position.”

“Stopping the best guy on your opponent’s team is the biggest achievement,” Pablo said. “For me, I have a defensive mentality, so in those situations, I know my responsibilities.”

All three of Pablo’s blocks came in the final period, two of which were against UP guards Alarcon and Gerry Abadiano, and one against Reyland Torres. 

His short stab at the 3:27 mark of the fourth quarter pushed La Salle ahead, 70-68, a lead they protected until the final buzzer. Earlier in the period, he  knocked down two key baskets to chip away at UP’s lead and shift the momentum to the Green Archers’ way.

Pablo also forced a crucial turnover with 20 seconds left in the game that sealed the La Salle win following Jacob Cortez’s clutch triple with under a minute remaining in the game. 

Robinson said La Salle moves like a team on a string, with every player knowing his role, trusting the system, and delivering exactly what the moment demands.

“Having KQ (Kevin Quiambao) before is really phenomenal. But when we built this team post-KQ, we already are envisioning what we want to be moving forward,” Robinson said. “And that’s to have a group of guys collectively playing together, knowing their roles.”

“Jacob made clutch threes again. But Jacob mentioned what Luis did. Those blocks really changed the trajectory of what we did.”

After spending his high school years with the La Salle Green Hills, Pablo joined UP in 2022 to play one season on a limited role, only averaging 9.06 minutes per game. 

He returned to the La Salle system in 2024, hoping to revive the promising career that once earned him the NCAA Season 98 juniors MVP award.

Now playing a key role in the Green Archers’ title quest, Pablo credited La Salle head coach Topex Robinson for giving him the trust that unlocked his best on both ends of the floor in the finals stage.

“Coach T motivated me. Coach T gave me the trust to defend the best player, Harold. When your coach gave you such responsibility, it’s a different feeling — you just dream about it when you’re a kid,” he said. 

“I was so excited and happy that Coach T trusted me. Obviously, I made a mistake because he will score even if I give him a super good defense. But that’s what really motivated me,” Pablo added. 

Despite the impressive Game 1 victory, Pablo vowed to stay on course as they look to finish off UP in Game 2 on Sunday, at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

“I told them after the game that no one will celebrate because it’s far from over. Winning Game 1 doesn’t mean we won the championship already. So, [it’s important] having everyone with the same mindset.” – Rappler.com