Now that the UAAP Season 87 High School Basketball Tournaments have concluded, University of Santo Tomas coach Noli Mejos can finally take a breather, knowing he has had two highly successful campaigns over the past few months.
As head coach, Mejos led UST to the finals of the Junior High School tournament last December 2024, securing a silver medal.
Then just last week, as an assistant coach to Manu Iñigo, he experienced championship glory when the Tiger Cubs triumphed over the NU Bullpups, 83-77, in an overtime thriller — delivering UST its first high school basketball crown since Season 64.
While Mejos is now widely recognized in the basketball community, his roots trace back to track and field.
From 2016 to 2022, he served as a track and field coach for San Beda’s high school and college teams, where he was tasked with revitalizing their program.
His efforts bore fruit in 2017 when San Beda clinched a juniors championship.
(C) Jarvis Co
“Sa track and field coaching naman sa San Beda, dati di nanalo yung team,” Mejos recalled. “Bigla lang akong in-offeran ni Coach Edmundo ‘Ato’ Badolato to handle high school at college. Una, hindi ko tinanggap yung college. Sabi ko, bigyan akong two years sa high school. Pag di ako manalo, ayaw ko na. Naalala ko na nag-10th place (Red Cubs) nung unang hawak ko tapos nung sumunod na taon, seventh place na.
“Sinundan nung nag-second kami tapos biglang champion. History din yon na ilang taon hindi nag-champion. Tapos binigay sa’kin college. About sa pag-handle ng team, I have good assistant coaches na katulong ko. Naka-focus kasi ako sa recruitment, conditioning and strengthening, at hanap ng sponsor.”
Balancing two sports proved challenging for Mejos, especially given the financial constraints of track and field. He found ways to be resourceful, leveraging basketball scouting trips to recruit athletes for both sports.
However, life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges. In December 2021, the passing of the legendary Badolato triggered a major overhaul in San Beda’s Red Cubs basketball program. Mejos, Iñigo, and their coaching staff were dismissed as the school brought in a new set of mentors.
Their departure from San Beda, though, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. With their proven track record, they became highly sought-after coaching free agents.
Eventually, they found a new home at UST, where their expertise is now paying dividends in both UAAP high school basketball competitions.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Hindi basta-basta nalilipat ang winning tradition kasi maraming proseso,” said Mejos. “Pero buong grupo po kami lumipat dito sa UST. Nagtulungan lang kami ng mga co-coaches ko na sina Andy Mejos, Onelle Balinton, JM Lagumen, at Kris Demata. Pati yung mga utility coaches namin sina Armand Bolaron at Gideon Arellano, kasama namin. Mga spy sa dorm yan para siguradong di nagpupuyat mga bata namin.
“Pero with Coach Manu Iñigo as our head coach, siya lahat nagde-decide sa dulo sa amin. About yung winning, simula nung pagkaalis namin sa San Beda, nagtutulong lang kami para dalhin namin yung winning style ni Coach Ato Badolato ng San Beda dito sa UST.”
Having managed his own program before, Mejos understands that success is not solely about the players and coaching staff. Team managers and school officials also play crucial roles in building a winning culture.
Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of instilling discipline and character in young athletes, ensuring they develop life skills beyond basketball.
“Sa pamamagitan ng sacrifice, discipline, and quality recruitment,” he said. “Natutuwa ako kasi full support ng manager namin, sina Boss Jarvis Co at assistant manager Ding Magadia, na sinamahan kami hanggang dito sa UST.
“Sobra naming strikto sa mga players on and off the court — lalo na sa dorm. Dito din sa UST, ang ganda sobra ng privileges ng athletes, lalo na full support sila mula sa IPEA under nila ni Fr. Rodel (Cansancio).”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Whether leading San Beda’s track and field team or serving as a loyal deputy to Iñigo in basketball, Mejos has consistently guided student-athletes to success. UST’s championship run in the UAAP Boys’ Basketball Tournament has only fueled his determination to deliver the JHS crown in Season 88.
Season 87 was a remarkable campaign for the Junior Tiger Cubs, but the challenge now is to go one step further. With the next competition just five to six months away, Mejos is already setting his sights on the ultimate goal.
“Mindset kasi namin lahat makuha ang championship,” he said.
“Hindi kasi uso sa amin ang runner-up. Mas gutom na kami sa Season 88, lalo na sa mga hawak kong JHS basketball. Pero kung hindi man kayanin, basta gagawin namin our very best.”
