For four San Beda players, the upcoming trip to Jakarta is about more than basketball.
It is a chance to carry the Philippine flag, represent one of the country’s most decorated collegiate programs, and perform under the watchful eyes of an NBA superstar many of them grew up idolizing.
The Red Lions will take center stage at the ANTA KAI Tour Jakarta 2026, where they are set to face an Indonesian professional team in a 3×3 exhibition game on June 30 as part of NBA star Kyrie Irving’s Asia tour.
Selected by ANTA Philippines to represent the country, San Beda formed a squad composed of veterans Jomel Puno and Zedjay Etulle alongside rookies Daniel Marcelo and Sean Aldous Torculas. Guiding the team is head coach Yuri Escueta, who has steered the Red Lions to two NCAA championships over the last three seasons.
While the game itself offers valuable international exposure, the opportunity to share the stage with Irving has added another layer of excitement for the delegation.
“We feel blessed to be able to represent our university, the Philippines and of course, ANTA. As a big Kyrie fan myself, having the opportunity to see Kyrie in person is an experience I am excited for,” said Escueta.
The event forms part of Irving’s ANTA Asia Tour, which includes several stops across China before concluding in Indonesia.
For Puno, the invitation carries personal significance. Having developed his game in Canada before joining San Beda, the two-time NCAA champion grew up watching Irving during his rise with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“San Beda has been my home and family ever since I moved out here so being able to represent and carry the name of our school in another country makes me feel proud and really excited especially with the presence of one of the greatest NBA players I grew up watching with my dad back in the Cavs era,” said Puno.
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Jomel Puno has already helped San Beda win championships.
Now, he’ll help carry the Red Lions and the Philippine flag onto an international stage.
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“I’ve been wearing all of Kyrie’s shoes since his first one with ANTA and could never wear any other shoe since then.”
The trip also serves as a platform for San Beda’s younger players to gain valuable experience before taking on larger roles for the Red Lions in the years ahead.
Etulle views the opportunity as a chance to showcase the country’s brand of basketball on an international stage.
“I’m really excited to represent not just San Beda but also the Philippines. It’s an opportunity for us to showcase the Filipino style of basketball and show everyone how Filipinos compete and play the game.”
Torculas echoed that excitement as he prepares for one of the most unique experiences of his basketball career.
“I feel blessed and excited knowing I get the chance to represent the school and the country as well as possibly getting to meet Kyrie Irving in person,” said Torculas, who transferred from the University of the Philippines.
Marcelo, who spent his formative years in Vancouver before joining San Beda, described the opportunity as something few athletes ever get to experience.
“It feels amazing being able to represent San Beda and our country. These are things that not a lot of people get to experience and I’m very excited to be part of it. It’s going to be fun playing against the Indonesian team and to do it in front of Kyrie, someone I grew up watching, is surreal,” said Marcelo.
For the Red Lions, the journey to Jakarta is not just another offseason commitment. It is a rare opportunity where collegiate basketball, international competition, and NBA stardom intersect on one stage.
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