Ethan Egea admitted that while the decision to leave the University of the Philippines Integrated School for Letran High School was tough, it was a necessary move for his growth as a basketball player.
The Fighting Maroons have struggled to build a competitive program in the UAAP due to limited athletic scholarships available at UPIS.
A phone call from his good friend Daryl Valdeavilla ultimately convinced him to make the jump.
“Siya ang unang nag-chat sa akin na pumunta sa Letran,” Egea said about Valdeavilla, also a former Fighting Maroon.
“Sobrang saya na magkasama kami ulit and buo kami ulit dito sa Letran.”
Aside from being reunited with Valdeavilla, the pitch of head coach Andrew Estrella sealed the deal — join a winning program.
“Unang-una po, gusto kong maranasan ang winning culture. Nagpapasalamat pa rin ako sa UP dahil tinulungan nila akong gumaling,” expressed the 17-year-old point guard, who was the UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year.
“Sabi nga nila sa akin na dito ka sa Letran, mananalo tayo dito.”
In the NCAA, Egea was able to experience his first-ever rivalry game — Letran versus San Beda last Sunday.
Impressive was Egea’s performance as he tallied 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting to go with six rebounds, two assists, and a steal. More importantly, he led the Squires to a thrilling 63-61 win over the Red Cubs.
For Egea, it was more than just the victory. He cherished the chance to go up against one of the young prospects he looks up to, San Beda’s Andrei Ugaddan.
Ugaddan has been making waves over the past few months, especially after his standout stint for CALABARZON in the Palarong Pambansa 2025.
“Sobrang saya at sobrang enjoy dahil first time ko nakalaban si Ugaddan,” gushed Egea.
“Idol na idol ko siya tapos ngayon nakalaro ko na rin siya.”
Currently, the Squires are 2-0 in Group B. And for Egea, the mission remains clear:
“Gusto namin mag-champion.”
