Metro Manila, Philippines – Kristian Porter has officially parted ways with the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.

The 19-year-old from Cebu informed team manager Epok Quimpo of his exit on Monday.

“This was a really tough decision,” said Porter, who studied under the Jesuit system for his entire academic life.

“I spent my elementary years at Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu before moving to Ateneo de Manila for high school and college. Ateneo has always been home to me, but I had to make this choice — even if I don’t have concrete plans yet on where I’ll go next. I believe it’s a necessary step for my personal growth,” he said in a statement.

Porter averaged 6.57 points and 6.86 rebounds in 14 games for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 87, which saw the Katipunan-based squad finish a league-worst win-loss record at 4-10.

Porter admitted that he had a hard time adjusting to the college experience.

“My first semester was pretty rough. But I took it as a learning experience and really put in the effort to turn things around in the second,” he said.

“I wasn’t able to train with the team for most of the second semester because I had to catch up on my schoolwork. It was a hard decision to step back, but I needed to focus on my studies at the time,” he added.

Porter said this decision does not involve any dissatisfaction as it is about self-improvement.

“There’s no discontentment at all. I’m just looking for personal growth and a change of scenery. That’s really what this is about,” he said.

With his size and a promising talent, Porter said it is about “me time” as of the moment.

“I haven’t talked to any school. Right now, I just need to rest. It’s been a long year — physically, mentally, and emotionally,” he said.