The UAAP’s freshman class of 2025 is shaping up to be a promising one, headlined by five towering big men who could become the future of Philippine basketball — if developed the right way.
Leading the pack are 6-foot-7 Migs Palanca of the University of the Philippines, 6-foot-7 Koji Buenaflor of the University of Santo Tomas, 6-foot-7 Lebron Jhames Daep of De La Salle University, and Adamson University’s twin towers: 6-foot-7 Allen Perez and 6-foot-8 Jireh Tumaneng.
Collectively, they are already being referred to as the “Big Five” of the UAAP’s next generation.
For UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde, securing the commitment of Palanca was a major win — not only to keep pace with the other schools that landed top prospects, but also to address a significant need in the Fighting Maroons’ rotation.
With the departure of Quintin Millora-Brown (graduation), Francis Lopez (turning pro), and Aldous Torculas (transfer), Palanca offers much-needed size and upside for the team moving forward.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Kinailangan natin to add size, and we saw naman talaga yung potential ni Palanca,” said Monteverde, a two-time UAAP men’s basketball champion.
“Magiging malaking tulong siya sa atin hindi lang for next season, but for five full years.”
Palanca had a decorated high school career with National University-Nazareth School, helping the Bullpups to three silver medal finishes in the UAAP boys’ division. In his final year, he averaged 10.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
But as Monteverde points out, college is a different level — and development won’t happen overnight.
“Pero siyempre, bata pa yan. Nire-remind lang din natin na stay focused and whatever challenges that we will be facing, laban lang,” he added.
Palanca, for his part, is embracing the challenge and drawing inspiration from one of his basketball idols — former UP standout Carl Tamayo, whom Monteverde once coached and considers like his son.
