La Salle’s Captain Earl Abadam Is Holding the Archers Together

Focus and determination to win are what the DLSU Green Archers continue to rely on as they navigate the challenges of UAAP Season 88. Just a week after losing two key players — Mason Amos and Kean Baclaan — to MCL injuries, the Archers found a way to stay resilient under the leadership of co-captain Earl Abadam.

The setback came during their game against the UE Red Warriors last October 15, when Wello Lingolingo landed on Baclaan’s knee during a loose ball situation in the fourth quarter. Losing a teammate so early in the season was difficult, but Abadam remained grounded.

“We know that Kean’s a big part of our team, but we can’t let that shake our focus. It’s next man up. We feel for Kean, we pray for Kean, but we need to stay focused on what we need to do.”

And focus is exactly what La Salle showed. Despite being down in the first half against UE, they tightened their defense, executed better, and pushed the game into overtime, eventually pulling off the high-character win. Abadam finished with 18 points alongside co-captain Mike Phillips, who also scored 18, their combined effort leading the Archers to one of their most composed victories so far.

“We can’t control what happens on the court with certain injuries, but we can control how we play, our effort, and our attitude,” Abadam said after the game. “We didn’t want to play with some sort of agenda that we’re out to get them back for injuring our player, we just wanted to win, so I think that showed in how we played in the fourth quarter and in OT.”

That mindset carried over into their next match against the UP Fighting Maroons on October 19, a rivalry game that tested both their composure and chemistry. Down again early, La Salle rallied late, with Abadam hitting a crucial three-pointer to tie the game in the final minutes. The Archers held their ground to seal a 72-69 victory, proving that belief and discipline can fill even the biggest gaps left by injuries.

For Abadam, who missed much of last season due to an ankle injury, this stretch of games has been personal. His return to form isn’t just about scoring points; it’s about resilience. After sitting out for months, he came into Season 88 with a new perspective, one shaped by faith and maturity.

“I’m grateful to God that I’m able to be on the court again with my brothers,” he shared earlier this season. “It not only affected me on the basketball side but also in life.”

Now leading a team that’s constantly adapting, Abadam’s leadership shines through his composure and trust. He doesn’t force plays or chase payback. He steadies his team when the game gets tight.

As the Green Archers continue their campaign, they do so without two of their key players but with a captain who knows what it means to bounce back. Earl Abadam isn’t just leading a team. He’s also embodying what it means to stay grounded, focused, and unshaken, no matter how rough the season gets.