The move was confirmed by Head Coach Derrick Pumaren and Buensalida himself on Sunday.

The 6-foot-5 forward was also being eyed by National University (NU) and San Beda University (SBU), however, he decided to head over to La Salle saying that, “Sa tingin po namin na maggo-grow talaga ako sa La Salle.”

Buensalida bared that it was his family’s decision to commit with the Green Archers and added that it was his dream school way back since elementary school.

The 18-year-old former national youth member shared his excitement to be sharing the court again with former teammates Kevin Quiambao and Encho Serrano.

He was a part of the NU-Nazareth School Bullpups roster when they clinched their back-to-back championships in the last two UAAP seasons averaging 2.85 points and 2.69 boards in six minutes and 21 seconds of playing time during Season 82.

As he moves up to the seniors level with the Taft-based squad of UAAP, Pumaren is seeing the potential in Buensalida.

“He’s a four that can run, rebound, hustle, and will fit in our defensive scheme,” Pumaren told Spin.ph.

La Salle is fortifying its stronghold with the addition of Quiambao, Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy, Deo Cuajao, Jonnel Policarpio, Raven Cortez, Emman Galman, CJ Austria, Warren Calara, Paul Turco, Isaiah Blanco-Hontiveros, and Michael and Ben Philips as the team hopes to make a final four comeback in the UAAP Season 84.