For the first time, two Philippine universities will compete in the 2025 World University Basketball Series.
De La Salle University and University of the Philippines are set to represent the country in the fourth edition of the tournament, which will be held from August 9 to 11 at the Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.
La Salle earned its spot as the defending champion, having clinched the title last year by defeating Indonesia’s Perbanas Institute, Taiwan’s National Chengchi University (NCCU), and Korea University.
UP, on the other hand, secured its place as the reigning UAAP men’s basketball champion.
The Green Archers and Fighting Maroons are placed in separate brackets, meaning they can only face each other in the medal rounds—potentially setting up an all-Filipino showdown in the final.
La Salle will kick off its title defense against NCCU and will go on to face the winner between University of Hong Kong and the Japan University Select Team.
Meanwhile, UP begins its campaign against Korea University and will take on the victor of the match between Sydney University and Nippon Sports Science University.
Both schools are fielding their Team A rosters, treating the WUBS as a key part of their UAAP Season 88 preparations.
Ultimately, both squads are aiming to meet in the championship game—what many hope could be a preview of the UAAP Season 88 finale.
