At just 16, Prince Carino is ready to take his basketball journey in the Philippines to the next level — and the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
Fresh off signing an exclusive deal with global sports marketing and talent management agency Wasserman, the FEU-Diliman standout is determined to prove that his talent and potential belong on a bigger stage.
The deal was first reported by Spin.ph’s Homer Sayson.
Admitting to the pressure that comes with joining an agency that handles Filipino prodigy Kai Sotto and NBA stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Evan Mobley, and Russell Westbrook, Carino said he plans to turn that pressure into motivation to immediately repay Wasserman’s trust.
“Naka-sign na ako sa Wasserman. Ang masasabi ko lang is para sa akin, katulad ng sabi sa akin nila Coach Josh [Reyes], it’s a reward. It’s a new opportunity and a beginning for me to improve and showcase my talent sa mas higher na level,” Carino told Tiebreaker Times after the Baby Tamaraws’ 68-72 loss to the National University Nazareth School Bullpups in the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball Tournament Wednesday morning at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
“Hindi ko siya gagamitin as pressure, gagamitin ko siya as motivation para mas lalo pag-pursigihin lalo kasi pinagkatiwalaan ako ng agency na ‘yon. I am just here to show na kaya ko.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Even with the deal now sealed, Carino reassured the FEU-D community that his focus remains firmly on the Baby Tamaraws — at least until May 2026.
He plans to see through Season 88, anchoring the team in the 16-and-under tournament while preparing to showcase his skills in the 19-and-under division and the 3×3 showcase in the season’s second semester.
Once Season 88 concludes, Carino will head to the United States over the summer to play in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, with potential preparatory schools lined up for the next academic year.
“Syempre, excited talaga and sobrang blessed. Ganon pa ‘man, kung ano yung magiging plano sa akin ng Diyos at ng agency, is siguro mag-sstick ako doon. Tapos mag-sstick din muna ako dito sa UAAP, dito muna ako. From there, trabaho muna ng trabaho,” the 6-foot-7 center shared.
“Tatapusin ko muna ito ang Season 88. By summer, ang plano is I’ll play sa EYBL. Meron na rin akong preparatory schools na nakakausap doon.”
Inking the Wasserman deal could not have come at a better time, as Carino plans to use the opportunity to help boost the Baby Tamaraws’ championship hopes in the Season 88 16-and-under tournament.
Carino knows that FEU-D must step up to compete with powerhouses like NUNS, University of Santo Tomas, and reigning champion University of the East. His mission is fueled by a desire to redeem the Baby Tamaraws from the heartbreak of their Season 87 finish.
“Gagawin ko lang itong parang mas energy booster. Kailangan ko ‘yon. Bakit? Sa lahat ng mga player dito sa team, sa akin nagtitiwala,” he said.
“Kumbaga, hindi naman siya as pressure for me, pero sa akin nagtiwala, so ang kailangan ko lang gawin is mapakita kung bakit ako ang kinuha at kung bakit ako kinuha at dahil alam ko may kaya pa ako maipakita.”
