AVO foregoes final year. Wanted: Big Man for the Green Archers

It has been reported that Arnold Van Opstal will not be playing this coming UAAP Season to rehabilitate his foot injury.

Arnold Van Opstal will not play for DLSU in Season 78 for his injury rehabilitation in the U. S.

— Archer Pride (@live_scores) July 21, 2015

He also confirmed this in his Instagram post. He no longer plans to return to the team as he intends to turn pro next year.

It pains me to announce that after 4 of the best years of my life, my career in La Salle is coming to an end. For those of you who are asking why, I am sitting out for the season for the benefit of my basketball career, as I have been suffering from an ongoing Achilles injury, which has never had the time to fully heal. It’s impossible to put into words how much this team means to me and how transformative this experience has been. I would like to say thank you to everyone who supported me throughout this incredible journey, from the alumni, animo squad, journalists, photographers, fans, students,managers, coaches, my beloved team mates, and of course God. I would not be who I am without you guys! From La Salle Zobel to DLSU, I was raised green and will forever be grateful. No one can ever take away the moments we shared as one family, one Animo, one La Salle. I hope that you all will continue to support me, as I am DETERMINED to come back stronger, faster and better to tackle my next frontier, the PBA. This is not the end but only the beginning. Love you guys always, ANIMO LA SALLE!

A post shared by Arnold van Opstal (@arnoldvanopstal) on Jul 21, 2015 at 8:20pm PDT

Last season, Van Opstal averaged close to 8 points and 6 rebounds in 13 games. He did not play in the PCCL late last year and suited up for just a few games in the Filoil tournament this summer. He played a total of 4 years with the Green Archers, with 2013 being his best year where he was adjudged most improved player.

With this development, along with Ben Mbala’s eligibility status still up in the air, the team suddenly is without a legit center. At this point,  the state of the Green Archers’ frontcourt will rest largely on 6’4 guys Jason Perkins, Prince Rivero and Abu Tratter. The team also has rookie bigs in Larry Muyang, John Gob and Daryl Pascual, all standing 6’5 but it remains to be seen if they can be able to make an immediate impact in their first year. Due to lack of post presence, expect the team to run an up-tempo guard/wing offense.

Just when the Green Archers have addressed their backcourt depth concerns from last year, there is a dire need for bigs this time around.