Ateneo de Manila University is set for an exciting campaign in UAAP Season 90 with 6-foot-10 big man Malcolm Tyler joining the Blue and White.
After finishing as first runners-up in the 2026 NBTC Division 2 Championship, the Fil-Canadian prospect was already seen meeting with Blue Eagle head coach Tab Baldwin. Following the game, Tyler confirmed his transfer to Ateneo.
“Man, it’s gonna be a great experience. I mean, just, it was kind of a slow burn for the first few weeks that I was here, but now that it’s gonna be out officially, it becomes a lot easier to talk about,” he said.
“And honestly, it’s just, it’s really exciting for me to be able to get this journey started.”
Averaging 11.0 points and 12.0 rebounds for Top Flight Canada, Tyler will provide Ateneo with a much-needed anchor in the frontcourt.
Tyler played his first two years at the University of the Fraser Valley in Canada before deciding to return home to the Philippines.
He will sit out one year to fulfill residency requirements, making him eligible for UAAP Season 90. He will have three playing years remaining with the Blue Eagles.
The 19-year-old center, who attended Brookswood Academy, is eager to play under Baldwin’s tactical leadership and shared how his journey to Ateneo began.
“They reached out to me, and I was able to set up a meeting with Boss Q (Epok Quimpo) and Coach Tab Baldwin. And from the first Zoom meeting I had with those two, there was an instant connection between Coach Tab and me, especially,” he said.
He added that Baldwin resonated with him through his deep understanding of the game, which “jives with the way he likes to play basketball.”
From Zoom calls to finally returning to the Philippines after spending nearly his entire life in Canada, Tyler noted that the comfort level he felt with Baldwin extended to his first practice sessions with Ateneo.
“I’m looking most forward to just the overall experience that Ateneo is gonna provide me. So far, I’ve practiced with the team a few times, and they’ve all been so welcoming,” he expressed.
“Frankly, the entire Filipino culture and the Filipino people have been very welcoming to me as this is the first time I’ve been here in 18 years.”
He expressed appreciation for the warm reception he had received in Manila and shared his excitement about playing with the Blue Eagles, especially alongside fellow recruit Kiefer Alas.
“That goes to the team as well. Like, they’ve got a good group of guys right now, but they’ve also got some young guys coming up. One of those players is Kiefer Alas. I know he’s a very big name in the Philippines, and I’m very excited to start my playing career with such a very good and very well-known player,” he added.
The Langley native also credited his time at the NBTC and Global Hoops for shaping his early introduction to local basketball, immediately playing in venues like the Mall of Asia Arena and the Blue Eagle Gym, while praising coach Nap Santos for giving him the opportunity.
“I credit that to Coach Nap Santos, who brought me here, who gave me the opportunity to play here in the first place.
“Him and being surrounded by a good group of guys, including guys that have fought really hard to get here. That’s just made it such a more enjoyable experience for me personally,” he shared.
Tyler also emphasized his commitment to balancing academics and athletics, a value Ateneo holds in high regard.
“On top of that, too, being a student-athlete, student comes first in that as well. So being able to pursue an education at such an esteemed school while also playing basketball for such a great group of guys and a phenomenal coaching staff is just something that, you know, any player would wish for in a heartbeat. And the fact that I get to experience that firsthand is so so special to me.”
