Joaqui Ludovice has opted to turn green instead of gold.
The 5-foot-10 guard has committed to study and play for De La Salle University, he confirmed to Tiebreaker Times.
“Sobrang grateful ako sa opportunity na ibinigay ng La Salle,” expressed Ludovice to Tiebreaker Times.
“Yung pagpili ko sa La Salle ay para mas marami pang matututuhan sa isang magandang programa.
“Alam naman natin na maganda yung ibang programa, pero parang nakita ko lang din sa La Salle na matutulungan nila ako sa kailangan ko at dito ko talaga nakita na interesado sila sa akin at tutulungan nila ako makaangat sa future,” added Ludovice on why he chose La Salle over other UAAP programs in Ateneo and UST.
Ludovice was formerly a San Beda Red Cub before transferring to the University of Santo Tomas in 2023.
His move to La Salle for college follows the same path taken by Doy Dungo two years ago, who is also a former Red Cub and Tiger Cub.
Ludovice played a key role in UST’s championship run in UAAP Season 87, averaging 8.72 points, 2.67 rebounds, 3.94 assists, and 1.28 steals per contest.
In his final UAAP tournament with the program, he posted 11.5 points, 2.21 rebounds, 2.93 assists, and 1.07 steals per game.
In what ultimately became his last tournament with the Tiger Cubs, Ludovice powered UST’s run to the 2026 Smart NBTC National Finals championship game, where he averaged 15.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Sobrang grateful talaga ako sa lahat ng coaches, lalo na sa UST — lalo na yung coaching staff na ’yan, sila Coach Manu [Iñigo], Coach Andy at Noli [Mejos], Coach VL [Sandalo], Coach JM [Lagumen], and lalong-lalo na kay Father Rodel [Cansancio],” Ludovice expressed.
“Inalagaan talaga nila ako nung nandoon ako. Sobrang thankful ako sa kanila dahil kung hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi mas gaganda yung future ko. Mas marami ako natutunan dahil sa kanila. Sobrang grateful ako na natulungan nila ako sa high school career. ko, lalo na kay Coach Manu.”
Beyond the UAAP, Ludovice was also a mainstay of the Gilas Boys program, representing the country in major youth international tournaments, including the FIBA U16 Asian Championship in 2023, the FIBA U17 World Cup in 2024, and the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in the same year.
Although still an incoming Grade 12 student, Ludovice has already aged out of the high school ranks, as he will turn 19 on January 1.
This makes him eligible to suit up for La Salle starting in UAAP Season 90.
The timing also aligns with the expected graduation of Jacob Cortez by that time.
(C) FIBA.basketball
For now, Ludovice is focused on further development as he prepares for the jump to college basketball.
“Hindi ko naman minamadali lahat, pero gusto ko po makamit ay ma-fill in yung leadership na ginawa ni Jacob Cortez nung mga seasons na nandito siya,” he said.
“Pagdating ko, wala na siya, at gusto ko makatulong sa La Salle na kung paano niya natulungan yung La Salle makuha yung championship at sa leadership talaga niya.”
