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It’s a bold move, but one with vision: the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers are placing their chips on youth and promise as they aim to rewrite their narrative in NCAA Season 101. 

After a disappointing 4–14 finish in Season 100 (10th place), JRU is undergoing a rebuild, one that hinges not on veterans past their primes, but on raw talent, energy, and a new coaching direction.

While most of the roster is fresh, the Bombers retain some anchors: Shawn Argente, Vince Sarmiento, Justin Lozano, and returning floor general Nani Epondulan, himself now installed as head coach. 

Epondulan is no stranger to JRU lore: a former MVP in NCAA history, he returns with the ambition of ending the program’s Final Four drought and reviving its identity. 

Joining them are new faces such as Sanlea Peñaverde, a standout from the San Sebastian Staglets who made waves in the juniors division, and Sean Salvador, a seasoned transfer from Mapúa. 

Also in the mix is Paul Enal, fresh off a Defensive Player of the Year distinction in the JRU juniors league. Rounding out their young core are John Canoza, Franzen Casinillo, Benedict Catapang, Gyllie Esguerra, Jay Garupil, Harry Herrera, Ivan Panapanaan, and Rasa Soleimani.

The gamble is clear: let these young pieces grow under pressure, accelerate their development, and perhaps surprise a field that may be overlooking JRU’s potential. 

If the chemistry clicks, the Heavy Bombers could awaken as one of the season’s dark horses.

After a rollercoaster Season 100, the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals step into NCAA Season 101 with momentum, a refined identity, and perhaps their strongest claim yet to be a dark horse in the race. 

With a blend of seasoned returnees and a sensational incoming rookie, EAC is aiming to break new ground—finally punching into the Final Four and beyond.

The foundation remains steady. Holdovers Kyle Ochavo, Brianne Angeles, and Nico Quinal return to carry continuity, leadership, and stability. 

They will help offset the departures of Harvey Pagsanjan, King Gurtiza, and Axel Doromal, whose exit left gaps in experience and production. 

The Generals also retain key contributors such as Jethro Bacud, Jude Bagay, Deo Lucero, Ruzzelle Dominguez, Wilmar Oftana, and Gelo Loristo, whose veteran presence gives balance and depth.

But the real game-changer is EJ Castillo. A 6-foot-1 rookie guard who dominated his high school years with the EAC Brigadiers, Castillo arrives with an impressive pedigree: Mythical Five honors, a Most Improved Player award, and scoring consistency. He has publicly committed to staying with EAC as he transitions to collegiate play. 

While recognizing he must learn and adapt, Castillo brings a natural scoring touch and confidence that promises to shake up lineups.

To round out the additions, EAC also welcomes Jacob Shanoda and Oman Omandac, both of whom are expected to contribute defensively and offer rotational flexibility. 

Completing the roster are Joshua Devara, Adam Doria, Chester Jacob, Rico Postanes, Joshua Tolentino, and Felix Villarente, each vying for meaningful minutes.

The Blazers know the sting of coming so close. Twice in the past three years, Benilde reached the NCAA finals only to see the title slip away. 

Now, entering Season 101, their aim is not just to shake off regrets but to end a 25-year championship drought.

Central to that hope is MVP Allen Liwag, a force in the frontcourt whose leadership and production must anchor the team. This time, he brings reinforcement: Shawn Umali, SJ Moore, and Raffy Celis have committed themselves to the Blazers’ cause. Umali, a bruising presence from Lyceum, and Moore & Celis, both UAAP veterans, add depth, versatility, and fresh firepower.

Alongside them, holdovers Justine Sanchez, Tony Ynot, and Gab Cometa return to lend experience and continuity. The roster is further bolstered by Jhomel Ancheta, Joshua Cajucom, Anton Eusebio, Matthew Oli, Jericho Jalalon, and Ian Torres, as well as contributors Bonn Daja, Irele Galas, Jake Gaspay, Jio Gonzaga and John Morales—all part of the Blazers’ Redemption Lineup.

There was a time when Letran and winning were almost synonymous. The Knights made their mark in NCAA lore with dynastic brilliance, clinching championships in Seasons 95, 97, and 98, and becoming one of the most storied programs in the league.

Yet recent seasons have been unkind. Across Seasons 99 and 100, Letran mustered only 10 wins from 36 elimination games, missing the Final Four in both. 

Now, under second-year head coach Allen Ricardo, the Knights are out to reclaim their mantle. With a blend of seasoned core players and fresh recruits, they believe they have the pieces to mount a serious title challenge.

Leading the returnees are Jimboy Estrada, Kevin Santos, and Deo Cuajao, players who embody experience, grit, and institutional pride. Their leadership will be crucial in steadying the ship and setting tone in pivotal moments.

The infusion of new blood is equally intriguing. Rookie guard Jonathan Manalili arrives with high expectations, while transfers Mark Denver Omega and Jun Roque bring additional depth and versatility to bolster the rotation. 

Also joining the fray are Peter Rosillo, Luiz Tapenio, and a group of role players including John Alejandro, Jovel Baliling, Aaro Buensalida, Lorge Gammad, Alex Gazzingan, Nat Montecillo, Edvil Mundas, Joss Poli, Syrex Silorio, and Elijah Yusi.

If integration runs smoothly, the blend of maturity and fresh legs could give Letran a sharper, more adaptive roster than season’s past.

After a 7–11 finish in Season 100 (5th place), the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA ALTAs head into Season 101 with renewed energy and ambition. 

Following Olsen Racela’s debut campaign as head coach, the ALTAs are beefing up their roster and aiming to bridge the gap between hopeful and contender.

The ALTAs will be without Christian Pagaran, but retain returning contributors John Abis, JP Boral, and Mark Gojo Cruz, who bring experience and stability to the lineup.

To complement them, Perpetual has brought in fresh blood: Patrick Sleat, one of Racela’s former standouts from FEU, arrives with both confidence and familiarity with the system. 

Promising junior standouts JD Pagulayan and Jan Roluna, both crowned champions in the High School ALTAs program, step up to the collegiate level and aim to carry forward their winning culture. 

Additional names, Josiah Alcantara, Aries Borja, Kenji Duremdes, Angelo Gelsano, Kevin Guibao, Kyle Magdangal, Ray Allen Maglupay, Jearico Nuñez, Shawn Orgo, Emmanuel Pizzaro, and JM Tulabut, round out the depth chart, each adding dimension or potential to the squad.

With this mix, the ALTAs hope to become deeper, more versatile, and better equipped to navigate a more unforgiving competitive landscape.

The San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags are once again entering a new NCAA season under a different mentor, continuing a cycle of transition that has defined the program in recent years.

After Egay Macaraya’s stint in Seasons 97 and 98, followed by John Kallos in Season 99 and Arvin Bonleon in Season 100, the Stags now turn to former PBA guard Rob Labagala as their head coach. 

Labagala has emphasized patience and steady growth, saying that the Stags will focus on building their foundation step by step.

Despite the coaching carousel, the Golden Stags still have reliable leaders in Paeng Are, their explosive guard, and TJ Felebrico, a Mythical Team member who has been instrumental in holding the squad together. 

Both veterans are expected to anchor the team’s attack and provide stability in the midst of change.

Adding excitement are several promising newcomers. Jhuniel dela Rama and Ian Cuajao, standouts from the juniors division, bring youthful energy and untapped potential. 

Fans will also see a familiar surname return to the collegiate ranks in Jaime Gomez de Liaño, the younger brother of pros Javi and Juan, who is set to carve his own path in the NCAA. 

Supporting them are Matt Acosta, Jerover Cabilla, Clarence Cruz, Markus Dimaunahan, Ralph Gabbat, Axcel Kitane, Jose Andre Lumanag, Gabriel Nepacena, Thomas Pillado, Harold Ricio, Vincent Segovia, and Leonardo Velasco.

As the reigning NCAA champions, the Mapúa Cardinals step into Season 101 with a target firmly on their backs. 

Every opponent will be eager to knock them off the throne, making each game a battle of pride and precision. 

Their opening assignment against the Lyceum Pirates is already being billed as a statement game, a chance for Mapúa to show that last season’s breakthrough was no fluke. 

With the new group-stage format limiting room for error, the Cardinals know they cannot afford early slipups if they want to stay in control of their title defense.

One of Mapúa’s biggest strengths is the championship confidence they now carry. The team has already proven it can thrive under the brightest lights, and that winning culture should give them an edge in close contests. 

Clint Escamis, who delayed his professional dreams to lead the Cardinals one last time, provides the leadership and stability that every championship-caliber squad needs. 

Alongside him, veterans like JC Recto, Yam Concepcion, and Cyrus Cuenco give the team balance and continuity, while new additions like Cyril Gonzales, Cyrus Nitura, and Icee Callangan bring fresh talent into the rotation.

The Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates are once again setting sail for another NCAA campaign, ready to prove that their semifinal run last season was no fluke. 

With a mix of proven veterans, emerging talents, and an MVP-caliber leader, the Pirates enter Season 101 eager to reassert themselves among the league’s contenders.

The Pirates won’t have the services of three familiar faces this year. JM Bravo has turned his attention to the professional ranks, Greg Cunanan has closed the book on his collegiate career, and Mclaude Guadaña is sidelined due to injury. These absences create notable gaps on both ends of the floor, particularly in experience and stability.

Yet the Pirates are no strangers to transition. In fact, they see this as an opportunity for other names to step into the spotlight.

The heart of Lyceum’s attack is still Ato Barba—and he enters the season with even more motivation. 

After going undrafted in the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft, Barba has chosen to use the setback as fuel rather than frustration. At 25, the 6-foot-2 guard remains determined to pursue his basketball dream, and his final year with LPU is the perfect stage to remind everyone what he can do.

Barba has already proven he belongs among the NCAA’s elite. He finished second in scoring last season with 17.6 points per game, powering the Pirates to their third straight Final Four appearance. 

His stellar play earned him a spot in the Mythical Five, where he shared the honor with MVP Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot of Benilde, Clint Escamis of Mapúa, and Tristan Felebrico of San Sebastian.

His rise, however, didn’t just start in the seniors’ division. Back in Season 95, Barba was named NCAA Juniors MVP while leading the Junior Pirates, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s brightest prospects even before making the jump to college.

The Arellano University Chiefs are heading into NCAA Season 101 with a sense of renewal, putting their trust in team chemistry and the continuity of their core group.

After finishing 7-11 (7th place) in Season 100, the Chiefs know they have a ground to cover, but with a more seasoned lineup and improved unity, they believe they can break deeper into the postseason picture. 

Third-year head coach Chico Manabat retains the bulk of his key players. Mainstays Basti Valencia, T-Mc Ongotan, Maverick Vinoya, and Ernjay Geronimo return with valuable experience, while CJ Libang is expected to fill the void left by the departure of defensive anchor Lorenz Capulong. 

Surrounding them is a deep pool of contributors, Renzo Abiera, Anthony Borromeo, Leyton Buenaventura, Yuan Camay, Anjord Cabotaje, Dominic Dayrit, Girbaud Demetria, Joseph Hernal, Matthew Langit, Dre Miller, Andrei Acop, Kyle Anama, and Joseph Espiritu, all hungry to make their mark.

Season 101 introduces a fresh structure: teams are split into two groups, with the top three from each side advancing to the crossover quarterfinals. The top two squads earn the luxury of a twice-to-beat advantage.

Arellano landed in Group A together with Lyceum, Mapúa, San Sebastian, and Perpetual. Every game in this grouping is expected to be tightly contested, meaning the Chiefs can’t afford slow starts or wasted opportunities.

The Chiefs have shown flashes of promise before, stealing wins against heavyweights like San Beda, Lyceum, and College of Saint Benilde last season. Now, they must turn those isolated victories into consistent results. 

It was a dream debut for Collins Akowe and a perfect opening statement for host school University of Santo Tomas.

The rookie sensation powered the Growling Tigers to a stunning 87-67 rout of defending champion University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball opener on Sunday, September 20, instantly reshaping the league’s title picture.

Akowe, a prized recruit from the National University Bullpups, imposed his will on both ends of the floor, finishing with a monster double-double of 29 points and 17 rebounds. His dominance in the paint anchored UST’s charge, as the España-based squad set the tone early and never looked back.

With the Growling Tigers’ suffocating defense complementing Akowe’s inside presence, the Fighting Maroons were kept on their heels all game long, unable to find their rhythm in their first step toward a title defense.

The convincing victory not only gave UST a massive morale boost but also signaled that the once-struggling program is determined to contend this season.

It was a night to remember at Montano Hall in Cavite City as Stef Berberabe carved her place in Philippine basketball history, becoming the first woman to record a quadruple-double.

The WMPBL star was honored in front of her hometown crowd, with WMPBL Commissioner Haydee M. Ong, league president John Kallos, and Senator Francis Tolentino leading the special tribute. 

The recognition underscored not only Berberabe’s personal achievement but also the growing prominence of women’s basketball in the country.

Berberabe, known for her tireless energy and versatility, reflected on the significance of the milestone.

“This is more than just my achievement — it’s a victory for women’s basketball,” she said. “I hope this inspires young girls to keep pushing boundaries and chasing their dreams.”

Her rare feat — a testament to all-around excellence on the court — resonates beyond statistics. For fans and aspiring players alike, it symbolized the strides women’s basketball continues to make in the Philippines.

The celebration at Montano Hall was not only about honoring Berberabe’s historic performance but also about envisioning a brighter, more inclusive future for the sport she represents so passionately.

The UST Growling Tigers will be missing a key weapon in their UAAP Season 88 opener as star guard Forthsky Padrigao serves a one-game suspension.

Padrigao is sidelined for UST’s clash against reigning champions, the UP Fighting Maroons, on Sunday, September 21, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion. His suspension stems from the two unsportsmanlike fouls he committed in last season’s Final Four matchup versus UP, where the Tigers bowed out, 78-69.

Veteran forward Sean Anthony has officially announced his retirement from basketball, closing the book on a memorable 14-year career in the PBA.

A former Mythical Team member and Defensive Player of the Year, Anthony shared the news through a heartfelt LinkedIn post on Sunday, September 14. The 39-year-old revealed that although he received an extension offer from NLEX, he chose to step away from the game to prioritize his family, especially his son’s recovery from cancer.

“Saying goodbye to something you love is one of the hardest things to do, which is probably why it has taken me so long to share this. But here it goes: I am officially retiring from basketball,” Anthony wrote.

“Earlier this year, when we found out my son had cancer, I turned down my extension with the NLEX Road Warriors and moved to Singapore to focus on getting him healthy. Seven months later, and after six rounds of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, I’m beyond grateful to say that my son is now cancer-free! Our family has since relocated to Vancouver, Canada, where he will continue post-treatment monitoring and care.”

Known for his relentless work ethic, Anthony was drafted sixth overall by Powerade in 2010 and went on to play for eight different teams. He was part of the Tigers’ unforgettable Cinderella run to the 2012 Finals and made his mark at GlobalPort, capturing Defensive Player of the Year honors and earning a Mythical First Team selection.

Off the court, Anthony prepared for life after basketball, earning a master’s degree in business administration and working as a senior consultant for an advisory services firm.

Still, basketball remains close to his heart.

“Basketball has been a cornerstone of my life since I was a kid, and being able to live out my childhood dream for 15 years has been the greatest gift,” he said. “Thank you to the management, coaches, teammates, and especially the fans for your support throughout my journey. I will always love the game and the PBA, and I hope that one day, when life settles, I can give back to the sport and the community that has given me so much."

Rain or Shine has issued tender offers to rookies Christian Manaytay, Jun Roque, Mark Denver Omega, Deo Cuajao, and Joshua David, head coach Yeng Guiao confirmed. 

By extending the offers, the Elasto Painters have retained the signing rights of their five draft picks from the first two rounds of the recent PBA Draft.

Rain or Shine, which reached the semifinals in all three conferences of the 49th season, had the most selections in the first two rounds this year, including two first-rounders.

Left out of the team’s plans are third-rounder Cole Micek (No. 34 pick), fourth-rounder Kyle Tolentino (No. 45), and fifth-rounder MJ Dela Virgen (No. 55), who all become free agents after not receiving tender offers.

Contracts with the five rookies are not yet finalized, as each is still committed to ongoing stints in other leagues. 

Manaytay, the 10th overall pick, is currently playing with the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the MPBL, while Roque, selected 12th, is set to finish his NCAA campaign with Letran. Omega (No. 20) and Cuajao (No. 22) are also suiting up for Letran in the NCAA, while David (No. 24) is with the Abra Weavers in the MPBL. Both leagues are scheduled to conclude their seasons in December.

Despite these commitments, all five draftees attended Rain or Shine practices shortly after the draft to integrate with the team.

“Hindi naman kami nagmamadali with regards to the rookies,” Guiao said, emphasizing that the Elasto Painters are willing to wait for their full availability.

Despite mounting expectations, De La Salle University’s Mike Phillips remains calm and confident as he leads the Green Archers' quest to reclaim the UAAP men’s basketball crown.

Standing 6-foot-8, Phillips also finds himself linked to another challenge—potentially suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.

“But I'm really praying, whatever God has planned. If it's God's will for me to hopefully have an opportunity to try out and be a part of the national team, of course,” said Phillips, who previously won gold with Gilas at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.

While excited by the prospect, Phillips remains focused on his current mission with La Salle, a team eager to bounce back after several runner-up finishes in the off-season and a finals loss last year.

“I really love to, I'm gonna give everything I can. But of course, right now, it's really just about staying in the moment, staying in the present moment,” he said.

Phillips fondly recalled his Gilas experience, calling it “an amazing feeling” that continues to inspire him.

“Because playing for the national team is just something that, I don't know, I can't put into words. It's just such an amazing feeling and I'm still sort of on that high from that SEA Games,” he shared. “I still have my medal, it's right on my cabinet and I still talk to a lot of the guys that I was with in the SEA Games.”

Phillips, along with Mason Amos and Jacob Cortez, is expected to anchor La Salle’s campaign in UAAP Season 88, which tips off this Saturday, September 20, against Adamson.

The UAAP Season 88 sidelines are set to come alive as Cignal once again tapped student reporters from all eight member schools, blending familiar voices with exciting new talents. 

Returning for their second stint are University of the Philippines’ Cheska Ramos, Ateneo de Manila University’s Vicsi Burgos, and University of the East’s Althea Franco. 

They will be joined by five first-time correspondents: De La Salle University’s Sophie Espiritu, Adamson University’s Frankie Buenvenida, Far Eastern University’s Juliana Marasigan, National University’s Zjeahne Luis, and University of Santo Tomas’ Sidney Oliva, representing the host school.

The UAAP Season 88 basketball tips off this Saturday, following a Paskuhan-inspired grand opening at UST. 

League commissioner Jai Reyes announced the adoption of FIBA standards in officiating, with a pool of international-level referees and the innovation of mic’d-up officials for assessment and grading. 

"I'm proud to say that we are having in our pool most of the FIBA referees that represent the Philippines in international competitions. One exciting development would be we would be mic'ing up our referees not yet for broadcast purposes."  Reyes said. "

Reyes aims to elevate both officiating and game quality across the league.

"We want our referees to be just like our players for them to improve yearly so we can make our product on the court the best as possible," he added.

Men’s basketball opens September 20 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, featuring FEU vs. Ateneo and Adamson vs. DLSU. 

The women’s division starts September 24, highlighted by Ateneo-UE and UP-Adamson matchups.

"Last year we ventured out and said, 'Let's put together a batch of homegrown correspondents, eight correspondents from all eight schools.' We're happy to note, we'll get to do that again," Cignal Sports Content Head Mico Halili said during the press conference. 

The UAAP continues its all-homegrown coverage initiative, with student correspondents from each member school and the debut of four new analysts—Camille Clarin, Jed Colonia, Paul Zamar, and Kenneth Tuffin—ensuring broad school representation on the broadcast panel.

"And because students from school saw that their classmates or batchmates and schoolmates were covering for UE, and NU, and Adamson, we saw an upsurge in the number of applicants who auditioned this year," he added.

With improved officiating, stronger student involvement, and fresh analyst insights, UAAP Season 88 promises to deliver a dynamic and elevated basketball experience for fans.

Meanwhile, UAAP representatives stressed the importance of proper medical testing and clearance for student-athletes before competition. 

While equipment and facilities are in place, organizers underscored that diligence over “each and every line” of safety protocols remains a priority.

“These are the minimal requirements. Documentation that student-athletes have either taken tests or have been cleared fit to play is essential. We just want to make sure everything is in order.”  said Atty. Saguisag. 

Beyond safety, excitement is also building for the new season’s sporting calendar, particularly in men’s volleyball. The league confirmed that Season 88 will feature guest teams and an expanded volleyball competition under the banner of the International Men’s Volleyball Championship.

“We are excited because this is the best of the best,” Atty. Saguisag added “Even during the opening, we want to bring the level of competition higher. I cannot imagine the energy this will bring to UAAP campuses.”

With Season 87 considered historic, UAAP leaders are determined to push Season 88 “to another level”

UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag announced that, beginning Season 89, schools will be permitted to include up to two foreign student-athletes (FSAs) in their team pools for all sports.

“This was approved this year and, like all our rules, will take effect the following season — so starting UAAP Season 89,” Saguisag said in a statement. 

Under the new rule, only one FSA can be on the active roster, with the other on reserve.

Previously, teams were limited to a single FSA. The change aims to provide roster security—especially after instances like National University being left without an FSA due to injury—while maintaining competitive balance. 

“For all sports, teams can have two foreign student-athletes in their pool, but only one can be part of the active roster at a time, with the other on reserve,” he added.

The rule takes effect next year, as UAAP Season 88 kicks off this week. 

The UAAP is exploring ways to compress its men’s basketball Season 88 second-round schedule to help Gilas Pilipinas prepare for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. 

League officials are considering options such as quadruple-headers to finish the season by late November, similar to adjustments made in 2019 for the SEA Games.

"[UAAP Executive Director] Rebo [Saguisag] and I recently met with the SBP executive director [Erika Dy] on ways to maybe finish the UAAP basketball tournament early so that UAAP players can participate in the SEA Games. There will be a decision soon." said the FEU representative to the Board of Managing Directors

UAAP vice president Mark Molina said the league is coordinating with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to support the national team. 

"We always communicate to the SBP that the UAAP is always willing and ready to help the national team in all levels," Molina said.

The compressed schedule would allow select UAAP standouts, including Veejay Pre, to join Gilas preparations ahead of the SEA Games basketball tournament, which tips off December 13. 

Gilas coach Norman Black is expected to finalize his 12-man roster soon as the Philippines aims to maintain its regional basketball dominance.

A full house is expected at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion when the Growling Tigers host defending champion UP Fighting Maroons in a blockbuster men’s basketball showdown on September 21, headlining the UAAP Season 88 opening weekend.