La Salle's Nelle not expecting to nail perfect ending to college career

MANILA, Philippines – It’s the perfect storybook ending for Evan Nelle’s collegiate career as he ends up a champion with the DLSU Green Archers after beating the UP Fighting Maroons in three games in UAAP Season 86.

Going through tumultuous years since winning the NCAA title in his rookie year with San Beda, Nelle said he really didn’t think he would make it so far again.

“We’ve been through so much ups and downs, I’ve been through so much ups and downs. I didn’t think it would end like this, to be honest,” Nelle said after their 73-69 Game 3 win on Wednesday. 

“We envisioned this but there will be doubts of course, [especially] after the first round.”

Nelle transferred to La Salle after two seasons with San Beda, but his first two years with the Green Archers were less than ideal – missing out on a finals spot in his first season then failing to make it even to the Final Four in UAAP Season 85.

But with new head coach Topex Robinson on board, it looked like La Salle, and Nelle, finally found his perfect match again.

Though counted among the leaders within the Taft-based squad in his third and final playing year with the Archers, Nelle admitted that he needed help in keeping himself grounded.

Leaning on his teammates and his special relationship with Robinson, Nelle was able to find his peace and realize his full potential.

“This man right here (Robinson), [and] these two guys (Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips), they always pick me up. I’m very emotional, but they would always keep me level-headed. Credit to my teammates,” said Nelle.

Even during the winner-take-all 3, Nelle needed his fellow Green Archers to steady the ship.

After ending the first half down by three points, the veteran guard leaned on his team to draw strength to come back and take the victory.

“After the first half a while ago, I was so frustrated but coming into the dugout, they were always like ‘just do your thing, we got you, we’re behind you’ and it’s an unbelievable journey,” he said. 

“This one year with them… I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”