Samantha Medina is ready to play out her collegiate career in the Philippines—and it will be with the team she just faced in the NBTC-Manila Live 19-and-Under Girls Championship.
The 6-foot-1 Filipino-American center committed to National University on Sunday.
Medina registered nine points and seven rebounds in Fil-Am Jo Koy’s 79-83 loss to the Lady Bullpups at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The 18-year-old from Meadowdale High School in Washington shared that she also received offers from the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University, but it was NU that felt like the best fit for her.
“I chose NU because I believe they have my best interests at heart. NU is starting to feel like home, and the team, as well as the staff, is very welcoming with open arms. NU feels like the right fit, and I know I’ll be well taken care of by everyone. I am so excited to play in Season 88 of the UAAP,” she said.
“I’m excited to compete against big names in the UAAP and schools like Ateneo, UST, and UP. Of course, I’m nervous, but I hope to step on the court in Season 88 and get a taste of the championship.”
Throughout the Manila Live tournament, Medina averaged 7.7 points per game.
(C) FIBA.basketball
Medina was also part of the Gilas Girls team that led the country to Division A in the under-16 division back in 2022, where she averaged 6.4 points and 6.2 rebounds during that tournament.
Medina is eligible to play as early as UAAP Season 88.
“Everything happens for a reason. Life either happens to you or for you. It matters which one you let happen,” she closed.
