The inaugural UAAP junior high school basketball tournament has introduced the league to the next generation of talent, setting the stage for future stars in the U-19 juniors and collegiate ranks.
The tournament provided a platform for standout players like NUNS’ Rob Celiz, Shaun Lucido, and Mot Matias to shine. DLSZ captain Melvin Tailan also made his mark, displaying his leadership and skills at such a young age on one of the country’s biggest stages.
For University of Santo Tomas, the spotlight initially focused on Andwele Cabanero, brother of Tigers team captain Nic, who made headlines last year. But this season, the next big name from the Tiger Cubs emerged: Junior MPBL MVP Jhon Canapi.
Just two games into his UAAP debut, Canapi made history, breaking the tournament’s scoring record by dropping 35 points in UST’s 100-77 win over Ateneo last Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, securing UST’s first win in the Season 87 junior high school basketball tournament.
In his first-ever game at the iconic ‘Big Dome,’ the 15-year-old guard from Quezon City shattered the previous scoring record set by his own teammate, Andwele, who had scored 34 points against DLSZ on April 24, 2024.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord kasi binigay niya samin yung panalo at tsaka nakatsamba na naman ‘eh, minotivate lang talaga kami nila coach,” shared the 5-foot-9 guard, a transferee from Bethel Academy.
“First time ko maglaro sa Araneta, kaya masaya dahil nakuha namin yung panalo. Minotivate kami ni coach para manalo kami sa laban na ito at tsaka sa teammates ko kaya nakuha namin yung panalo.”
Tiger Cubs 16U head coach Noli Mejos ensured that Canapi and the rest of the team were extra motivated after a tough season-opener loss to UE.
“Minotivate ko yung mga players as preparation for this game kasi yung opening game namin, ang sama talaga, sabog-sabog laro namin,” Mejos said.
“Doon sa first game namin, nagkanya-kanya kami ‘eh. Last game, five assists lang kami, ngayon 24 na.”
Having snagged MVP honors and made waves in tier two tournaments like the MPBL and PSL, Canapi has proven he is ready for the bright lights of the UAAP.
His record-breaking performance is just the beginning of what could be an exciting season for both him and the UST Tiger Cubs.
