By: Leiniel Santos
After spending the last three years at Far Eastern University-Diliman, Dwyne Miranda will finish his secondary school career with Mapua University, bringing his championship pedigree to the Red Robins in the NCAA Season 100 Juniors Basketball Tournament.
The former Baby Tamaraw made the move after aging out of the UAAP high school boys’ division at 19 years old, opting to continue his high school basketball journey in the NCAA.
Miranda played a key role in the Baby Tamaraws’ UAAP championship run in Season 85 and their 3×3 title win in Season 86.
In his final year at FEU-Diliman, he put up solid numbers, averaging 10.57 points, 4.79 assists, and 3.64 rebounds per game.
The son of Denok Miranda brings his winning experience to the Red Robins, aiming to add an NCAA title to his résumé.
“Unang-una siyempre, mag-champion kami. ‘Di ko iniisip ‘yung mga individual awards kasi bonus lang naman ‘yun eh. So ‘yung iniisip ko talaga muna is ‘yung goal ng team,” the 5-foot-11 guard said.
However, Miranda did not have the NCAA debut he had hoped for, as Mapua fell to the University of the Perpetual Help System DALTA, 86-80, on Monday.
Despite the loss, he delivered a solid performance, finishing with 14 points, six assists, and two rebounds.
Miranda acknowledged the difference in competition between the two leagues, noting that the NCAA is much more physical than the UAAP.
“Okay naman ‘yung ginawa namin sa offense, pero butas na butas talaga kami sa defense… Sinabihan kami ni coach na mag-adjust, pero ang dami talaga naming lapses,” he admitted.
