Rebuilding Arellano University has hit a huge snag in their preparations as point guard Axel Doromal has decided to leave the Chiefs three months before they open a new campaign in the NCAA Season 99 men's basketball tournament in September.
Arellano coach Chico Manabat bared that the court general is foregoing his remaining two years in a bid to make it to the professional scene.
"Actually to be honest, nagpaalam 'yung bata about his family problem. May mga something siya na dapat gawin and personally niya akong kinausap and mabuti naman 'yung paalam niya sa akin," Manabat said.
"And sabi ko nga, kung ano 'yung desisyon niya, that's the wisdom and maturity na kailangan niyang harapin."
("Actually to be honest, he spoke to me about his family problem. He has some things that he needs to do and he spoke to me personally and it was done well... And I told him, if that's his decision, that's the wisdom and maturity with which he'll need to face it.")
Doromal was a key cog for Arellano, especially in Season 98, where he averaged 16.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists as the Chiefs racked up a 7-11 win-loss card.
He also suited up in several games for Arellano in the ongoing 2023 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup but the Chiefs were not able to win a single game as they ended their campaign with a 0-9 record. His last game was against Lyceum of the Philippines University two weeks ago, where they fell to the Pirates, 82-68.
But that proved to be the last game of Doromal donning the Arellano colors as he eyes to pursue opportunities outside of the team.
Still, Manabat wishes Doromal the best.
"Actually gusto niyang mag-pro, mag-MPBL daw siya and we wish him luck na lang talaga and kung saan man siya mapunta, masaya 'yung team para sa kanya," he said.
("Actually, he wants to go pro. He said he'll play in the MPBL and we wish him luck and wherever he ends up next, the team is happy for him.")
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
