IN a few months, a new era will unfold as the NCAA will now be the start of its second century with Season 101, and along with it a new set of stars for different schools.
There is no shortage of new faces from high school stars to transferees, players that will certainly inject life into the country’s oldest collegiate basketball tournament.
Now SPIN.ph runs down the players that we should all look out for come NCAA Season 101.
READ: Fresh faces, new threads: UAAP Season 88's exciting newcomers
Letran: Titing Manalili, Jun Roque, Mark Omega
Injuries and academics delayed Titing Manalili’s transition to the seniors level last year, but that’s all in the rearview mirror now as he’s set to banner the Knights’ crusade back to the playoffs this year.
There’s plenty of reasons for Letran to be excited about Manalili.
After two championships with the Squires, some impressive stints in the leagues outside of the NCAA, and a stint with the Strong Group Athletics in the William Jones Cup, Manalili might very well be the answer to the Knights’ guard woes – relieving Jimboy Estrada of point guard duties.
The Knights bolstered their frontline with returning Squires Jun Roque and Mark Omega now eligible after playing for Perpetual two years ago.
The pair is set to fill the gaps left by Kobe Monje and Pao Javillonar as the Knights look to return to the playoffs after missing out on the last two seasons.
Emilio Aguinaldo: EJ Castillo
The Generals found a keeper in EJ Castillo who decided to stay put with the school after an exciting high school basketball career with the Brigadiers, averaging nearly 19 a game, five rebounds and 3.4 assists.
He’s already found himself quite a following, with his throwback game – owing to his fondness of the mid-range game.
READ: 'Kobe ng Imus' EJ Castillo bringing back lost art of mid-range J to NCAA
With super-scorer King Gurtiza now gone, expect Castillo to be one of coach Jerson Cabiltes’ more reliable scoring options in an exciting season for the Generals.
Jose Rizal: Sanlea Penaverde, Sean Salvador
New coach Nani Epondulan will get a chance to grow with two of the most promising high school players out of the NCAA in Juniors Mythical and Defensive team member Sanlea Penaverde, and Red Robins captain Sean Salvador.
The two will be tasked to carry the scoring load early and based on their high school performances, they’re more than capable of doing it with Penaverde putting up averages of 24 a game, while Salvador posting 14 during his time with Mapua.
San Beda: Janti Miller, MJ Vailoces
San Beda will be bannering 6-4 Fil-American wing Janti Miller this year and he’s expected to complement the dangerous Red Lion frontline composed of Yukien Andrada, Jomel Puno and Bismarck Lina.
READ: As San Beda trends upward, so does trending Janti Miller
Hailing all the way from Fairfield, California, the 21-year-old saw action for the Red Lions in the Playtime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup where he showcased his versatility, showing off ease in attacking off the dribble, taking threes or setting up his teammates.
He’ll be joined by former Red Cub MJ Vailoces who had himself a nice run in the juniors division averaging 14 points and eight rebounds in his time there.
Perpetual: LA Casinillo, Patrick Sleat, Jan Roluna
Looking to make a splash in the NCAA are ex-UAAP players LA Casinillo formerly of National University, and Patrick Sleat, formerly of FEU.
Combo guard Cansilio gets the luxury of learning under the legendary Olsen Racela while Sleat reunites with his old coach as the Altas look to return to the playoffs for the first time since NCAA Season 97.
A testament of Perpetual’s long-term grassroots program is Jan Roluna who’ll join former Junior Altas Mark Gojo Cruz in the seniors program after winning the NCAA Title and being part of the Season 100 Juniors Basketball Mythical Five.
San Sebastian: Ian Cuajao, Jhuniel dela Rama
San Sebastian had themselves a golden haul after getting the commitment of 2025 NBTC All-Star Game MVP Ian Cuajao and NCAA mythical team member Jhuniel dela Rama.
The pair will be integral to what the Stags will be building for the future as Rob Labagala also debuts as the shotcaller for the Stags.
But if they can find their footing this season, the Stags’ future can happen as early as Season 101 with Paeng Are still out to take names for San Sebastian.
St. Benilde: Shawn Umali
After manning the paint for the Lyceum Pirates, Shawn Umali will be playing out his final year in college for coach Charles Tiu and a contending team in College of St. Benilde.
Missing out on winning the big one in the previous years, Umali could finally be the answer for the Blazers’ woes as he forms a formidable frontline tandem with reigning MVP Allen Liwag.
The pair, alongside veterans Tony Ynot, Gab Cometa and Jhomal Ancheta makes Benilde one of the favorites again entering this season.
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