We may be getting to the point where the UAAP offseason is matching the intensity of an NBA offseason. Player movement is in full effect, with words like “outside forces” and apparent farewells only adding fuel to the fire. 

While all of this is happening, the DLSU Green Archers are just sitting back, basking in championship glory. If anything, the Green Archers have been connected with Kean Baclaan, who reportedly bid farewell to the NU Bulldogs, and Jacob Cortez, who is the son of former Green Archer Mike Cortez. Cortez himself, has been quiet thus far as he just led the San Beda Red Lions to an NCAA championship, the Red Lions’ first in five years. 

Of course, La Salle will see players like Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy, Ben Phillips, Joaqui Manuel, and Francis Escandor move on to their respective next chapters and we could see some others seeking greener pastures later on in the year, but compared to the likes of the Bulldogs, the UP Fighting Maroons, and the ADMU Blue Eagles, there’s a greater level of certainty with the core DLSU will take to UAAP Season 87. 

Reigning MVP and Finals MVP Kevin Quiambao will stay with the Green Archers for at least one more season, with some videos of his offseason work already making the rounds in social media. In fact, Quiambao, Escandor, and La Salle head coach Topex Robinson will join the squad Strong Group Athletics is putting together for the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship, which already includes eight-time All-NBA Team selection Dwight Howard, 2017 NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection Andre Roberson, and former Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Andray Blatche.

With Quiambao, DLSU has was what is arguably the best frontcourt in the UAAP thanks to the athletic Michael Phillips, the nifty Raven Cortez, the talented Jonnel Policarpio, the returning Rhyle Melencio, Isaiah Phillips, and the incoming Henry Agunanne.

Given his ability to do a little bit of everything, Quiambao’s return also supports the Green Archers’ backcourt that includes Joshua David, Earl Abadam, CJ Austria, EJ Gollena, Jcee Macalalag. Matthew Rubico, Jake Gaspay, Ethan Alian, Vhoris Marasigan, and Santi Romero will also look to join La Salle in Season 87. That I just mentioned a ton of names only goes to show that DLSU reloads rather than rebuilds. 

Of course, having a great offseason and success during the UAAP season itself are two different things. That’s why it’s great to see Quiambao putting in some work and the Green Archers minding their own business as compared to the chaos going on with their peers. Season 87 is more or less nine months away so La Salle must manage the delicate balance between meaningful practice reps and ensuring the players are in good health, as this will be crucial to securing back-to-back UAAP titles. After all, what was key in DLSU’s championship run was them peaking at the right time. 

The DLSU Green Archers have been sitting on the sidelines while their peers have been having a war of words and recruits. Of course, a lot can happen between now and when UAAP Season 87 opens in September but as it stands, staying put is enough for them to be the winners of the offseason thus far.