It didn’t take long for National University forward Jake Figueroa to achieve his long-time dream of playing professional basketball overseas.
Just six days after the Bulldogs were eliminated by the De La Salle Green Archers in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Figueroa is about to sign with Korean Basketball League team Ulsan Hyundai Mobis for the remainder of the 2025–2026 season.
The proud Bacolor, Pampanga native will replace fellow Filipino and former Benilde Blazer Miguel Oczon as the team’s Asian quota import.
Oczon appeared in only nine games for the Phoebus this season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, averaging 7.7 points, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 rebounds per game.
During his five years with NU, Figueroa emerged as a key contributor in three separate bronze-medal finishes across Seasons 85, 86, and most recently, Season 88.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
However, it was in his final year that the 6-foot-3 forward truly broke out, posting averages of 13.93 points, 7.21 rebounds, 3.93 assists, 2.14 steals, and one block per game across the 14-game elimination round.
His consistent, all-around play helped the Bulldogs secure the top seed for the first time in 12 years with an 11–3 record. However, NU ultimately saw its twice-to-beat advantage — and title hopes — dashed by Jacob Cortez and La Salle.
Figueroa brings a wealth of experience from his years in the UAAP, both in high school and college.
He won MVP honors in the Season 82 boys’ basketball tournament with Adamson University before helping NU reach the podium in three of his five seasons.
According to Naver, it is unclear when Figueroa will officially join Ulsan Hyundai Mobis — currently tied for last place in the 10-team league with a 6–13 record — due to ongoing processing of his Korean visa.
Once on board, Figueroa will join teammates Rayshaun Hammonds, Seo Myeongjin, and Park Moobeen, learning the ropes of Korean basketball under six-time KBL champion Yang Dong-geun.
