By: Joaquin Cortez
Andrew Chio spent his high school years dreaming of becoming the next Xavier School standout to make a name for himself in the UAAP. Now, after an uncertain path to the collegiate ranks, the University of Santo Tomas rookie is beginning to show that he belongs.
The 18-year-old Filipino-Chinese guard grew up idolizing former Golden Stallions and UAAP champions TY Tang, Joseph Yeo, Chris Tiu, Jeron Teng, Isaac Go, and Tyler Tio, hoping to follow in their footsteps and carve out his own legacy in collegiate basketball.
“I really wanted to be the next Xaverian to make it to the UAAP and make a mark,” Chio said.
“Because players like Isaac Go and Tyler Tio are really well known in the Xavier community. So, I want to be like them.”
Xavier has produced several other notable UAAP players, including brothers Jeron and Jeric Teng, Chris Tiu, and Jett Manuel. Their success helped shape a crucial decision during Chio’s high school years.
During his junior year at Xavier, Chio had the opportunity to transfer to Ateneo de Manila University, and head coach Willy Wilson encouraged him to make the move. However, he chose to remain at his alma mater, staying committed to the school where he had developed his game.
That decision, however, came with uncertainty.
Despite his ambition to play in the UAAP, Chio graduated from Xavier without a collegiate offer, leaving his basketball future up in the air.
His breakthrough came through Gilas Youth, where facing international opponents gave him valuable exposure and paved the way for his move to España.
Gilas Youth head coach Juno Sauler, who also serves as a UST assistant coach, played a key role in connecting Chio with the Growling Tigers.
“When I graduated from Xavier, I did not have any offers from any school, actually. It was just fortunate enough to get into the Gilas pool. That’s where I think I got my exposure, and thankfully, UST offered me,” Chio said.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Chio helped Gilas Youth complete an unbeaten title run at the 2026 SEABA Under-18 Championship, averaging 8.4 points, four rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He later averaged 5.0 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists as the Philippines finished eighth at the FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup in Ahmedabad, India, last August.
UST also offered Chio a familiar environment to continue his development. Growling Tigers assistant coaches Japs Cuan and Bam Ledesma, who also coached him at Xavier, remained on hand to guide him as he transitioned to the collegiate level.
“The systems are not far; they are obviously the same, and I think UST was the perfect choice for me,” Chio said.
“Even back in high school, they were already prepping me for this moment, and they’re telling me what it’s like in college.”
On Wednesday, Chio showed just how valuable that preparation could be.
With Donovan Sevilla sidelined, the rookie seized his opportunity in UST’s 81-69 victory over Far Eastern University, finishing with 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting in 25 minutes and 26 seconds of action. His contribution helped the Growling Tigers return to the win column after a strong second-half surge.
The performance also caught the attention of three-time NBA champion and NBA 75th Anniversary Team member Dwyane Wade, who called the UST-FEU clash alongside Jaime Ascalon during the second quarter.
“Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready, and that’s what it’s about. You never know what’s going to happen,” Wade said. “That’s how you become a professional. It’s always making sure you’re prepared and ready.
“I am happy that he is getting an opportunity here and he is taking advantage of it.”
Chio’s breakout performance was a welcome turnaround after a quiet start to his rookie campaign. He made his UAAP debut in UST’s third game of the season, scoring six points in just three minutes and 39 seconds in a victory over the University of the East. He then went scoreless in the Growling Tigers’ succeeding games against Adamson University and UE.
Still, the early struggles and limited playing time did little to shake his confidence. Chio remained determined to prove he could contribute whenever his number was called.
“I always play with something to prove, a belief to myself. Even if I am young, I can show everyone that I could play,” he said.
As he continues to adjust to the demands of collegiate basketball, Chio remains grounded in the lessons he learned at Xavier, where his coaches emphasized the importance of character alongside skill.
“All my coaches in high school, they always tell me to stay humble and stay disciplined,” Chio said.
For Chio, the journey to the UAAP may not have followed the path he envisioned, but his recent performance suggests that his opportunity at UST could be the beginning of the legacy he once dreamed of building.
