Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin confirmed on Monday afternoon the commitment of the 18-year-old Lazaro to the long list of young foundational pieces of Ateneo’s future.

Lazaro will be staying with fellow Eaglet Forthsky Padrigao who in August promised to stay in Katipunan once he moves up to college.

“Both of these guys have been on the radar, not just for Ateneo. They’ve been the target of other universities, which is acceptable, which is commonplace,” said Baldwin. 

“It’s a credit to their talent, to their ability, and to their future,” he added.

Moreover, Lazaro credited his parents in helping him make his decision. “Yung parents ko, ini-stress nila lagi yung importance ng education. Given na rin yung program ni Coach Tab. One of a kind talaga,” he said.

The 6-foot-5 forward was a part of the Mythical Team in the UAAP Season 82 where he posted 13.2 points, 12.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks as the Blue Eaglets made it to the stepladder semis.

Lazaro was also a member of the Gilas Pilipinas Youth team which competed in the 2017 FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup in Foshan and 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup in Argentina.

According to Coach Baldwin the Eaglet standout has to finish his last year with the Blue Eaglets before officially joining the Blue Eagles, “But when that is finished, he’ll be joining the Blue Eagles and he’ll be in training for Season 84,”

“We’re very proud and excited and happy to be able to say that their future is going to be with the Blue Eagles,” he added.