By: Miguel Caramoan, Ernest Tuazon, and Lorenzo del Carmen
Players jumping from the NCAA to the UAAP is rarely about dissatisfaction — it’s about timing, readiness, and ambition.
Throughout the past decade, some of the Grand Old League’s cream have moved to the UAAP, drawn by brighter lights, bigger crowds, deeper competition, and wider post-graduate opportunities.
The years have seen transfers from the likes of basketball’s William Navarro, Evan Nelle, Jacob Cortez, and James Payosing (San Beda), Jed Mendoza (Jose Rizal); swimming’s Hannah Dato (San Beda), badminton’s Arjay Lazareto (San Beda); athletics’ Russel Ricaforte (Perpetual Help), Dominic Woodward (JRU), and Matt Obiena (Letran) and many more.
Moving to the UAAP is about proving themselves — testing if they can compete in the country’s premier collegiate league.
Here are the next five players Tiebreaker Times believes are ready for the next stage.
Sean Salvador (Jose Rizal University)
Sean Salvador had a standout freshman year for Jose Rizal University in NCAA Season 101.
Despite being a rookie, the 6-foot guard led the Heavy Bombers to a surprising quarterfinals appearance, falling only to Group A top seed University of Perpetual Help DALTA, 81-74.
Salvador averaged 13.07 points, 2.67 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.
He has stated that he is open to moving to a UAAP school if JRU allows it: “Depende kung saan tayo magro-grow as a player.”
If he decides to make the move, the best fits would be Far Eastern University or Adamson University, as Jorick Bautista (Tamaraws) and Mathew Montebon, Matty Erolon, and Ray Allen Torres (Soaring Falcons) are all graduating after Season 88.
Mark Gojo Cruz (University of Perpetual Help)
Mark Gojo Cruz made a huge leap in his sophomore year, leading the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to a third-place finish.
The 6-foot winger from Santa Maria, Bulacan, averaged 13.47 points, 3.94 rebounds, and 2.29 assists per game.
Beyond his offensive contributions, Gojo Cruz has evolved into a two-way player, often tasked with defending the league’s top backcourt players.
He will most likely return for his junior year with the Altas.
But if he wants a seamless transition to the UAAP, Adamson University is an ideal destination — coached by Nash Racela, brother of Olsen Racela.
Jhuniel Dela Rama (San Sebastian College-Recoletos)
Freshman Jhuniel Dela Rama was one of the few bright spots for San Sebastian College-Recoletos this season.
The 6-foot-2 winger from Ormoc City did it all for the Golden Stags, averaging 13.86 points, 11.07 rebounds, 1.86 assists, and 1.64 steals per game.
His efforts earned him Defensive Player of the Year honors and spots on both the Mythical and All-Defensive Teams.
Dela Rama has said his next move will follow wherever Stags head coach Rob Labagala goes.
“Kung bibigyan ako ng pagkakataon, sasama ako kay Coach Rob kung saan siya. Siya na bahala kung saan niya ako ibibigay,” he said.
Titing Manalili (Colegio de San Juan de Letran)
Undoubtedly, Titing Manalili was one of the top players in NCAA Season 101.
The 6-foot guard from Cebu led Letran to its first finals appearance since Season 99, averaging 13.89 points, 9.0 assists, 4.74 rebounds, and 2.21 steals per game.
He finished second in the MVP race, won both Rookie and Freshman of the Year honors, and earned a spot on the Mythical Team. During his rookie season, he outclassed some of the NCAA’s finest, including former MVP Clint Escamis.
While Manalili would likely return to Letran for a redemption campaign, timing may open UAAP opportunities.
La Salle would be an ideal fit, with Jacob Cortez and Kean Baclaan ending their collegiate careers after Season 89. Sitting out 2026 for residency would make him eligible to play in UAAP Season 90.
San Beda University
San Beda University is not just the greatest seniors basketball program in the NCAA — it is arguably the league’s best sporting program overall.
In its 101-year history, San Beda has won 289 championships across NCAA sports, including 27 men’s swimming titles, 25 seniors football titles, and 24 seniors basketball titles.
The school has also collected 24 general championships and is aiming for a ‘seven-peat’ this year.
As the only remaining founding member of the NCAA, San Beda has already proven its dominance.
Yet the NCAA jungle has grown too small for the Red Lions.
Perhaps it is time for them to reunite with their peers.
