It didn’t take long for MJ Vailoces to make his college decision.
The 6-foot-1 winger from Dumaguete City has opted to stay home, officially committing to San Beda University.
Vailoces made the call on Tuesday following a meeting with Red Lions team manager Jude Roque.
“I decided to stay po sa San Beda because I truly value how the university and the Bedan community have put their trust in me. The support has been overwhelming po, and I’m really grateful for that,” Vailoces told Tiebreaker Times.
“I’m just a kid with love for the game and a dream, and they helped me turn that dream into reality. Dahil po doon, gusto ko pong mag-give back sa tiwalang binigay nila sa’kin, because I know I’m in good hands po.”
Roque welcomed the young star’s decision with enthusiasm.
“Of course, we are happy that he chose to stay with us. We have high expectations for MJ because he is big for his position. With Coach Yuri [Escueta]’s guidance, we hope to develop him during his stay here in San Beda and get him ready for the pros,” he said.
In his Grade 12 season, Vailoces averaged 14.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, helping lead the Red Cubs to a Final Four finish.
Now 19 years old, Vailoces will be eligible to play immediately in NCAA Season 101.
He joins a promising group of rookies aiming to restore the Red Lions to the NCAA throne, including Ajanti Miller, Jimmy Reyes, and Lawrence Hawkins.
“I also believe that the basketball program can help me grow even more as a player—just like the people I look up to: Jacob Cortez, Calvin Oftana, Robert Bolick, Yukien Andrada, Ogie Menor, and Benjie Paras,” he added.
