A PERFECT blend of homegrown standouts and carefully chosen newcomers is set to define UAAP Season 88, as fresh faces arrive to bolster already talent-rich rosters.
With the competition tightening each year and every program finding its own way to nurture growth, the spotlight now shifts to young prospects from the juniors ranks, players whose journeys could blossom into generational legacies before the league’s very eyes.
Handpicked by mentors who see more than just numbers, they arrive not to steal the spotlight, but to extend a helping hand.
And if that hand proves steady enough, it just might reach to touch the crown, a common goal among these new hotshots.
READ: Who's saying no to UP-La Salle III to end UAAP Season 88?
Each and every rookie starts small, hoping steady steps can help their squads reach something bigger.
Earl Medina - ADAMSON Soaring Falcons
Hailing from the Baby Falcons’ nest, 6-foot-2 Medina understands loyalty and how the trait can bring about change and extra motivation for a player.
“Alam kong ibang chapter ito sa high school, and I’ve always wanted to be here. I see this as sila na nagpalaki sa akin, inasikaso ako, and from that, I know I’ll do my best to fulfill my role sa team, lalo na napatunayan namin na kaya naming mag-compete,” the Adamson rookie said.
Alden Paul Cainglet - ATENEO Blue Eagles
Completing the big question mark that surrounds the mysterious Blue Eagles squad is a 6-foot-2 shooting guard from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, who will reunite with onetime running mate Jared Bahay as well as fellow former Magis Eagles Michael Asoro and Jelomar Rota.
Liam Salangsang - FEU Tamaraws
The Season 87 High School Athlete of the Year from FEU-Diliman, Liam Salangsang is a 5-foot-11 combo guard hoping to extend his sharpshooting services to Sean Chambers’ sophomore year in FEU..
Lebron Jhames Daep - LA SALLE Green Archers
While much has been said about the Filipino namesake of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, the 6-foot-7 prospect is focused on doing his part to assist La Salle, this season’s no-brainer team-to-beat.
“Sa akin po, I just ask for God’s grace when times are tough, and marami ako natututunan from being part of this squad each day. Malaki ang space para mag-grow,” said Daep, who led Perpetual to its first-ever NCAA juniors championship, while also winning MVP.
Jolo Navarro - NU Bulldogs
A standout for Letran in the NCAA juniors, Navarro is clear about his purpose coming to NU. He is up for the challenge of maturing as quickly as he can on the court to help a Bulldogs team vying for the Final Four.
“May bitbit akong winning culture from high school. I know how it feels to win. Alam kong hindi magiging madali, pero I continue to push myself to be able to help NU get better results,” he said.
Dylan Despi - UE Red Warriors
Still reppin’ red and white, Despi’s love for the community acts as his biggest boost in chasing greatness, along with a plan to rewrite UE's recent history.
“Mahal namin ito, gusto ko dito ako magsimula hanggang gumaling. Andyan naman sila coach Chris [Gavina] to guide me. Basta gusto ko mag-champion kami, yun lang,” he said.
Migs Palanca - UP FIghting Maroons
When 6-foot-7 Palanca committed to the Fighting Maroons, he knew it would not be easy - and that was the point of it all.
Fueled by his grit to prove himself a dependable and worthy contributor to the team’s title defense, he kept it simple.
“Kultura 'to, UP na ‘to eh,” he said.
Koji Buenaflor - UST Growling Tigers
For the season’s hosts, it's a pleasant surprise 6-foot-7 Buenaflor did not think twice about staying in España.
“This is my home, kaya I want to do everything right by it. I understand ‘yung ingay sa expectations, but as long as ginagawa ko ‘yung tama, hindi ako matatakot diyan,” he said, taking all the lessons from his title run with the Tiger Cubs to the seniors squad.
All in all, Buenaflor, who also had the chance to join a session with Stephen Curry over the preseason, just wants to play his part in bringing back UST’s golden days.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
