Over the past couple of weeks, a flurry of commitments and transfers has swept through the NCAA landscape.
Leading the charge are homegrown standouts EJ Castillo and Syrex Silorio, who have decided to stay loyal to their respective schools — Emilio Aguinaldo College and Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Castillo, a 6-foot guard and a member of the NCAA Season 100 Mythical Team, averaged 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in his standout campaign.
“We’re very happy and proud that EJ chose to stay with us, lalo na’t maraming eskwelahan ang gustong kunin siya. It shows his loyalty and belief in what we’re building here at EAC,” said Generals head coach Jerson Cabiltes, who was recently re-signed to a three-year extension by the school.
On the other hand, Silorio is making the jump from the high school ranks as a Squire to the collegiate level as a Knight.
The 6-foot-3 forward averaged 9.33 points, 4.33 rebounds, and 1.83 assists per game last season.
“Siyempre masaya kasi magsasama-sama kami ulit sa college,” said Knights head coach Allen Ricardo.
“That has always been the goal of our program naman here sa Letran, na yung Squires ang magiging foundation ng Knights.”
However, not all players are sticking with their alma maters.
EAC-ICA’s Ian Cuajao and Letran’s Jhuniel Dela Rama are both heading to San Sebastian College-Recoletos to join the Golden Stags program.
Cuajao posted averages of 18.5 points and 6.0 rebounds, while Dela Rama put up 14.33 points and 10.67 rebounds per game.
“I’m happy for our program na unti-unti na kaming nagkakaroon ng elite players like Ian and Jhuniel. For now, they are our small wins — yung ma-improve at ma-raise namin ang standards ng basketball program ng Baste,” said head coach Rob Labagala.
“I’m grateful for their trust — both players and coaches — and for the all-out support na binibigay ni Boss Jackson Chua. May God bless us sa journey namin.”
Jose Rizal University also made a key addition by securing the commitment of Sanlea Penaverde, a 5-foot-10 guard who averaged 22.5 points and 7.33 rebounds for the San Sebastian Staglets.
Meanwhile, Lyceum of the Philippines University is preparing for life after Mclaude Guadana by securing the transfer of Jace Miller.
Miller, who played for Letran last season, will serve a one-year residency and is expected to suit up for the Pirates in NCAA Season 102.
