Rumors swirled around Janti Miller throughout the NCAA Season 101 Seniors’ Basketball playoffs, linking the San Beda University do-it-all guard to a possible jump to the UAAP.
The whispers grew louder as the season reached its climax in a best-of-three championship series against archrival Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
But after the Red Lions clinched a record 24th NCAA seniors’ basketball crown — overcoming a Game 2 setback while Miller served a one-game suspension — the Season 101 Mythical Five member has finally put speculation to rest.
With key players such as Finals MVP Bryan Sajonia, team captain Yukien Andrada, and big man Joe Celzo set to graduate, Miller confirmed his commitment to stay and spearhead San Beda’s title defense in Season 102.
“Man, I am eager. I was eager to play today, I am not going to lie. I was way eager. I am eager to run it back next year,” Miller told reporters after the Red Lions’ championship-clinching win over the Knights on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Miller explained that his decision to remain with San Beda is deeply rooted in the sacrifices he has already made to be part of the winningest NCAA seniors’ basketball program.
Moving from Fairfield, California, to the unfamiliar environment of Mendiola was not easy for the 6-foot-4 guard. Beyond adjusting to the Philippine style of basketball, he faced language barriers and had to navigate the preconceived notions often associated with Fil-Am players in the league.
“Moving away from home and going into an environment where I am not comfortable. [Also] the language barrier — I can’t even speak Tagalog. A lot of people have their opinions on Fil-Am [players], and I am only half Filipino. That type of stuff, going into it, is the biggest sacrifice,” the 21-year-old Miller shared.
For Miller, these challenges represent sacrifices he did not want to go to waste. He intends to stay and become a leader for San Beda as the Red Lions prepare to defend their crown against tough competition from Letran, College of Saint Benilde, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
Before turning his focus to Season 102, Miller praised how Andrada and Sajonia stepped up in Game 2, delivering stellar performances that ultimately secured the championship. Sajonia finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Andrada added 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and two steals.
“I had to really get that out of them. I was telling them all week, telling them every game. Yuki especially, that he’s the best shooter, and Bryan, who’s the best scorer in the league. I’m glad they came through in the championship,” Miller said.
“Like I said, don’t count me out. I knew my team got it. I knew my team was able to play the game without me and win without me. I’m more than proud, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
#WATCH: Janti Miller could not help but be proud of how Yukien Andrada and Bryan Sajonia stepped up for him in Game 2 of the #NCAASeason101 Finals 🦁🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/6ifYkVuR0k
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/ovMvWEEbd2
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) December 13, 2025
