In lives that seemed forever intertwined, it was a fitting conclusion to the collegiate careers of best friends JD Cagulangan and Joshua David.
Although they now played for different schools—Cagulangan for the University of the Philippines and David for De La Salle University—the two ended their student-athlete journeys together.
After the Fighting Maroons clinched the deciding Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 Finals, 66-62, over the Green Archers, Cagulangan made sure to find his best friend, offering words of comfort and a tight hug.
Despite charting different paths, they remained best friends whose lives continued to intersect.
In a perfect end to their stellar UAAP careers, Cagulangan approached the La Salle bench during the Alma Mater Hymn, standing with them and singing along with pride.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Sabi niya nga rin kanina nung nag-shake hands kami, gusto rin niya if ever magkasama kami gumraduate at matapos ‘yung UAAP career. Pero ‘yun nga nahiwalay ‘yung landas namin pero sobrang saya lang din kung paano kami natapos at kung nasaan kami ngayon,” David shared.
Once regarded as a deadly backcourt duo for the La Salle Green Hills Greenies in the NCAA juniors’ division, the two committed to the Green Archers after high school but faced challenges along the way.
David was cut from La Salle’s Season 82 team by coaches Jermaine Byrd and Gian Nazario, while Cagulangan, despite making the lineup, rode the bench.
The 5-foot-9 point guard from Butuan transferred to UP with hopes of more playing time, and he delivered, proving his worth by leading Diliman to two championships and two silver finishes during his four seasons there.
The 6-foot pride of Angeles City, Pampanga, stayed with the Green Archers but had to work extra hard to earn his place by the time his final game arrived.
David suffered a torn ACL prior to Season 84, forcing him to miss the entire tournament as well as the Season 85 5-on-5 tournament.
He made his long-awaited UAAP debut in Season 85’s 3×3 competition in May 2023, capturing the championship alongside Kevin Quiambao, CJ Austria, and Francis Escador.
Cagulangan, on the other hand, went on to win Finals MVP honors, averaging 13.66 points, 4.33 rebounds, and 4.66 assists, leaving UP as a two-time champion.
David also left La Salle as a two-time gold medalist—one in 3×3 and one in 5-on-5.
“Sobrang proud lang din ako sa kanya kasi pinaghirapan niya rin simula dati. Nakita ko yung paghihirap ni Maimai eh so sobrang deserved din niya talaga,” David said, expressing his pride in Cagulangan’s championship and Finals MVP finish.
