Two former Ateneo Blue Eagles are set to begin new chapters in their collegiate careers.
Lebron Nieto and Jelo Rota have left Ateneo de Manila University to transfer to NCAA schools, with Nieto joining San Beda University and Rota heading to the College of Saint Benilde.
Both players will have to serve a one-year residency and will be eligible to play starting NCAA Season 103.
Nieto, 21, is a product of Ateneo High School and suited up for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 86. However, he suffered an ACL injury during the summer of 2025, forcing him to miss Season 87.
Last season, Nieto appeared in just four games for Ateneo.
Now, the 5-foot-10 floor general is looking forward to continuing his development under San Beda head coach Yuri Escueta, another Ateneo alumnus.
“I really like the program that Coach Yuri is implementing, and I’ve known him since I was young. I feel like I’ll really be able to develop my potential under him,” Nieto told Tiebreaker Times.
Meanwhile, Rota, 20, sat out UAAP Season 88 and was expected to make his Blue Eagles debut this year.
Instead, the 6-foot-5 forward from Cebu opted to transfer to Benilde, where he will play under fellow Atenean Charles Tiu.
“I decided to go to Benilde because I think Coach Charles is a good coach. I feel like I’ll be able to showcase my talent and skills on the court there. I also decided to go to the NCAA because of the residency rule, which means I still have four more years to play,” Rota said.
The move now sets up a future matchup between the two former teammates in the NCAA.
Despite taking different paths, both share the same goal: bringing a championship to their new schools.
“My goal is to become a champion and learn more from the program so I can become a better player and a better person,” said Nieto, who will have three years of eligibility remaining once he becomes eligible to play.
“My main goal is to bring a championship to Benilde, but right now I can’t play this upcoming season because of my residency. So for now, my goal is to improve my skills and build chemistry with my teammates, which I believe is the key to bringing a championship to Benilde,” shared Rota, who will have four years of eligibility remaining after serving his residency year.
