By Jerome Lagunzad
San Beda’s most sought-after Red Cub is staying put at the lion’s den.
High school star Evan Nelle has committed to suit up for San Beda in the collegiate ranks, giving the Red Lions another potent weapon in their bid for a ‘three-peat’ in the NCAA basketball tournament this year.
No less than San Beda team manager Jude Roque confirmed the development to Tempo-Bulletin yesterday, saying the 5-foot-10 Nelle could make an immediate impact when he makes his seniors cage debut in the NCAA Season 94 this year.
“Of course, he’s a big addition. Not only because he’s the best coming out from our high school team, but also his position is something that we also have to improve on. I firmly believe he will help us on our campaign this year,” said Roque.
Aside from Nelle, 19, the Red Lions could also bring in Toronto native James Canlas, a scoring wingman who’s expected to fill up the shoes left by Fil-American Davon Potts who’s already seeing action for the Alaska Aces in the pro ranks.
Still, the arrival of Nelle, who led the Red Cubs back to the throne in the 6th Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championships last month, should be enough for the Red Lions look more dangerous.
In the NCAA juniors cage wars last year, Nelle did his damage on all angles, coming up with a team-high of 14.2 points on top of 6.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals while leading San Beda to the top spot in the Final Four round.
