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Tag: San Beda Red Lions

  • UST, San Beda banner Philippine teams in inaugural NSAC Asiabasket World Invitational 

    UST, San Beda banner Philippine teams in inaugural NSAC Asiabasket World Invitational 

    The University of Santo Tomas and San Beda University will spearhead the Philippines’ bid when the country’s top collegiate basketball programs test themselves against international competition in the inaugural NSAC World Invitational next month.

     

    UST, fresh off capturing the 2026 NSAC College Basketball Campus Tour championship, enters the tournament with momentum as the defending NSAC titlist, while San Beda joins the Growling Tigers in leading a strong local contingent that also includes Jose Rizal University and Far Eastern University.

     

    Organized by Asiabasket in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the eight-team tournament will run from August 14 to 16, 2026, giving Filipino student-athletes a rare opportunity to measure themselves against quality programs from across the Asia-Pacific.

     

    Representing the visiting teams are Japan’s Fighting Eagles Nagoya and Tenri University, Australia’s Elite Stacks, and Taiwan’s National Formosa University.

     

    Rather than serving as just another preseason event, the tournament aims to expose Philippine collegiate teams to different styles of play while strengthening international basketball ties.

     

    Asiabasket founder and chief executive officer Jai Reyes believes the competition represents a major step in expanding the reach of local college basketball.

     

    “The NSAC World Invitational is a reflection of our vision to elevate Philippine collegiate basketball beyond our borders,” said the concurrent UAAP basketball commissioner.

     

    “We want to provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete against quality international programs while showcasing the talent, passion, and competitiveness of Philippine basketball on a larger stage.”

     

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    Reyes also acknowledged the support of the PSC and SBP in making the event possible.

    “We are truly grateful to the PSC and SBP for believing in this vision and partnering with us for the NSAC World Invitational,” added the former Ateneo standout.

     

    “Together, we’re creating more opportunities for Filipino student-athletes to compete internationally while continuing to raise the standard of collegiate basketball in the Philippines.”

     

    The tournament will feature a knockout format with classification games, ensuring each team plays three games regardless of results. Quarterfinal matches are scheduled on August 14, followed by the semifinals and classification contests on August 15, before the championship and placement games conclude the event on August 16.

     

    Beyond determining the inaugural champion, the NSAC World Invitational hopes to strengthen basketball relationships across the Asia-Pacific while giving Philippine fans a chance to watch international collegiate teams compete on local soil.

     

    For UST, the event also presents another opportunity to build on the confidence gained from its 2026 NSAC College Basketball Campus Tour title, while San Beda and the rest of the Philippine representatives look to prove that the country’s collegiate programs can hold their own against respected international opposition.

     

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  • Former teammates, Philippine basketball mourn passing of JV Gallego

    Former teammates, Philippine basketball mourn passing of JV Gallego

    The Philippine basketball community is in mourning following the untimely passing of former Batang Gilas guard and NCAA champion John Vincent “JV” Gallego, who died on Saturday after a vehicular accident in Meycauayan, Bulacan. He was 28 years old.

     

    Gallego was widely recognized as one of the country’s promising backcourt talents during his youth. He represented the Philippines in the 2016 FIBA Asia U18 Championship as a member of Batang Gilas before continuing his collegiate career with National University. 

     

    He later transferred to San Beda University, where he played a key role in the Red Lions’ NCAA championship run in Season 99.

     

    News of his passing sent shockwaves throughout the local basketball scene, with former teammates, coaches, schools, and fans paying tribute to a player remembered not only for his skill but also for his humility, work ethic, and dedication to the game. 

     

    Several of his former San Beda teammates described Gallego as a selfless competitor who consistently put the team before himself, while others recalled his positive attitude and leadership inside the locker room.

     

    “You protected me. You taught me so much on and off the court. Even until now, you would check up on me after games or even on a random day,” he added. “It really hurts to see you go, man. I know you’ll be with me for the rest of my life.” 

     

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    Former SBC Teammate Jacob Cortez then thanked Gallego for his influence on his life.

     

    San Beda University, National University, and numerous members of the Philippine basketball community expressed their condolences to Gallego’s family, honoring the legacy he leaves behind both as an athlete and as a person. 

     

    Social media has since been flooded with heartfelt messages from fellow players, supporters, and basketball organizations remembering his contributions to Philippine basketball.

     

    Though his basketball journey was cut tragically short, the former San Beda standout’s impact extended far beyond the hardwood. From proudly wearing the Philippine jersey at the youth level to helping San Beda capture another NCAA title, he leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering love for the sport.

     

    As the Philippine basketball community continues to grieve, many remember JV Gallego not just for the games he played, but for the character he displayed throughout his career, a teammate who embodied commitment, resilience, and heart.

     

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  • San Beda to represent Philippines in ANTA Kai Tour 3X3 exhibition in Jakarta 

    San Beda to represent Philippines in ANTA Kai Tour 3X3 exhibition in Jakarta 

    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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    “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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