College of Saint Benilde is sending a strong contingent to the 2025 PBA Draft, with four seniors ready to take their talents to the pro ranks on September 7.
Leading the charge is explosive guard Tony Ynot.
The 6-foot-1 Ynot is coming off a stellar NCAA Season 100 campaign. He earned a spot on the Mythical Team after posting impressive numbers of 10.14 points, 5.43 rebounds, 4.29 assists, and 1.38 steals per game.
He also gained valuable international exposure under head coach Charles Tiu, suiting up for Strong Group-Philippines in the 2025 Dubai International Basketball Championship and the William Jones Cup.
“He is athletic, a great shooter and a great scorer. He will fit very well in the PBA game,” said Tiu.
“I’ve been getting a lot of calls from PBA coaches asking about him already, so I’m hopeful he gets drafted.”
Joining Ynot in the draft are bruising forward Shawn Umali, a tough 6-foot-3 enforcer who’s made a name for himself battling inside despite being undersized; and Gab Cometa, a 5-foot-11 shooter who has transitioned to playing the point guard position.
Umali, a former Lyceum Pirate, was the NCAA Season 98 Most Improved Player and the league’s shot-blocking leader in Season 99 with 1.59 swats per game.
“He is Beau Belga 2.0 in my opinion, a little smaller, but he is also a PBA-ready player,” said Tiu.
“He’s quick on his feet and a legit post-up threat. He makes up for his lack of height with his heft.”
(C) NCAA/GMA
Cometa, on the other hand, averaged 8.5 points on 36% shooting from deep with 2.28 rebounds and 2.0 assists.
“Gab has emerged as one of the best point guards in the NCAA. He can score and facilitate, and he’s a great leader — that’s why he is our team captain,” Tiu noted.
Also throwing his name into the mix is athletic forward Jake Gaspay.
The 6-foot-4 one-and-done Benildean first made waves at Immaculada Concepcion College and showed flashes of potential during his brief stint under Tiu.
“Jake is a great Swiss Army knife. He can do a bit of everything and defend multiple positions. Really strong and athletic,” Tiu said.
Rounding out Benilde’s draft hopefuls are former NCAA MVP Will Gozum, Mark Sangco, Rob Nayve, Macoy Marcos, and Ladis Lepalam, all looking to carve their own paths in the PBA.
“All my prayers are with them heading into the draft. Hopefully, they all get their chance in the PBA because it’s been their dream to play there,” Tiu added.
