Humblebola

By: Francis De Ungria

Philippine basketball has had a ton of young talent come through in recent years. It is only fitting that we take an in-depth look at the young buds, some of whom are plying their trade overseas, while others opting to grow their roots on Philippine soil.

The list will rank Filipino basketball players who are under 25 years old and are currently playing in any professional or amateur league. While stats and accolades received throughout the year are considered, the list will more look to answer how well can a player contribute winning to a professional team in the near future and to what level of professional basketball they could possibly reach. Another factor considered is what they can contribute to the national team.

All players born in the year 1999 and later who have played in the PBA, UAAP and NCAA are automatically eligible for the list. Players playing in international leagues will only be eligible for the list if they can play for the national team without naturalization. So this means notable overage players like Evan Nelle and Dwight Ramos as well as former UAAP player Ange Kouame will not be included in the list.

*Stats are gathered as of December 29, 2023

*Heights are estimated from various sources

Honorable Mentions:

LJ Gonzales 

Adrian Nocum

Jomel Puno

25. Gian Mamuyac

Height: 6’2

Age: 24

Team: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (PBA)

Stats:

2022-23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup: 10.3 pts, 2.9 ast, 1.1 stl, 22.2 min

2023 PBA Governors’ Cup: 10.0 pts, 1.8 ast, 0.7 stl, 19.7 min

2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup: 8.1 pts, 2.1 ast, 0.7 stl, 17.1 min

Gian Mamuyac has settled into becoming a rotation player for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters the past three conferences. As a two-way guard, Gian Mamuyac has always been a premium on defense, although his scoring averages dipped throughout the year, he is still a solid catch and shoot player who can space the floor and create his own opportunities when given the chance.

24. Miguel Oczon

Height: 6’0

Age: 24

Team: Ulsan Hyundai (KBL)

Stats:

NCAA Season 99: 13.4 pts, 4.8 reb, 2.7 ast, 1.2 stl, 0.5 blk, 31.2 % 3P (6.7 3PA)

The Benilde sharpshooter has upped his scoring production in his final NCAA season. Although they failed to reach the finals again, he still led Benilde to a third-place finish. The 6’0 guard is one of the better shooters in the country and should instantly improve a team’s spacing at the professional level. But at his height in Korea, he will be forced to play the point. Will he step up and also carry some facilitating load on offense?

23. Cedrick Manzano

Height: 6’7

Age: 20

Team: Adamson Soaring Falcons (UAAP)

Stats:

UAAP Season 86: 8.1 pts, 6.5 reb, 0.7 blk, 19.9 min

Cedrick Manzano has maintained his offensive production in year-three of playing in the UAAP. While some of his stats have regressed, he is still one of the best bigs in the UAAP on both ends on the floor as Adamson’s second highest scorer and best rebounder. One of the more interesting aspects of his game is his under-development three-point shooting and playmaking. From zero three-point attempts in Season 85, he has attempted 13 this season and made three of them (23% 3P). He also upped his assist averages from 0.9 per game last season to 1.5 this season.

22. Chris Koon

Height: 6’4

Age: 22

Team: Ateneo Blue Eagles (UAAP)

Stats:

UAAP Season 86: 9.6 pts, 5.8 reb, 2.9 ast, 0.7 stl, 27.1 min

Chris Koon has ramped up his production this season as one of the veterans for Ateneo. While his shooting efficiency leaves a lot to be desired (50.5% true shooting to 42.7%), he is still an elite two-way wing in the UAAP. Although he is being regularly deployed as a wing, he is a versatile defender who can comfortably defend most guards and forwards in the UAAP. As he plays out his final playing year next season, international teams should definitely watch out for his development. It also helps that with his height, he has the guard skills to convert into a guard in the near future.

21. Kean Baclaan

Height: 5’7

Age: 20

Team: NU Bulldogs (UAAP)

Stats:

UAAP Season 86: 10.6 pts, 4.4 reb, 4.7 ast, 0.9 stl, 24.8 min

With an increase in offensive responsibility, Kean Baclaan has not shied away as he upped his scoring from 8.4 per game to 10.6 while also improving his true shooting from 38.8% last season to 42.0% this season. While his three-point shooting is still an area of concern, there is no doubt that the 20-year old guard’s offensive impact can rival that of the other top point guards in the UAAP. One thing to note that might hinder him in the professional level is his height which makes him a liability on defense. But if there is one thing to learn from SJ Belangel and RJ Abarrientos who are having a productive career in Japan and Korea, you have to be a great passer and a crazy good shooter. Kean is the former, but not yet the latter.

20. Clint Escamis

Height: 5’11

Age: 22

Team: Mapua Cardinals (NCAA)

Stats:

NCAA Season 99: 16.4 pts, 6.0 reb, 4.1 ast, 3.4 stl

Accolades:

NCAA Season 99 MVP

NCAA Season 99 Rookie of the Year

NCAA Season 99 Mythical Five

NCAA Season 99 All-Defensive Team

NCAA Season 99 Steals Leader

The NCAA Rookie-MVP led Mapua to the finals after losing to Letran in Season 97. Despite the finals loss to San Beda, Escamis has proven that he is right there on the top of the discussion as one of the best collegiate guards in the Philippines. The next question for him right now is if he can replicate this production next season especially with tougher competition in the NCAA, if he does, then international basketball will be a realistic option for him sooner than later.

19. Will Gozum 

Height: 6’5

Age: 24

Team: Benilde Blazers (NCAA)

Stats:

NCAA Season 99: 12.3 pts, 6.2 reb, 0.5 stl, 1.2 blk

The 6’5 big had another productive season leading Benilde to a third-place finish. Will Gozum will be an interesting case once he moves up to the pros. He is an undersized big but has the agility and shooting that can serve him well as a PF. But he doesn’t have enough agility and shooting to make him a full-time forward internationally. That’s why for now, his realistic ceiling might be a future PBA star. But if he continues his rapid development as a forward, then he might elevate his status as a possible national team prospect and match the likes of Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, and Mason Amos.

18. Justin Arana

Height: 6’7

Age: 24

Team: Converge FiberXers (PBA)

Stats:

2022-23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup: 11.0 pts, 7.7 reb, 1.4 blk, 24.9 min

2023 PBA Governors’ Cup: 10.3 pts, 6.9 reb, 1.1 blk, 26.0 min

2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup: 13.0 pts, 6.1 reb, 0.7 blk, 22.6 min

Accolades:

2023 PBA Rookie of the Year

2023 PBA All-Rookie Team

Justin Arana has cemented himself as part of the Converge FiberXers core after just three conferences. He has stepped up from averaging 11 points in his first conference to now 13 points per game. But we had him this low in the ranking because he might be the player here who has already reached his peaked. He still has a lot of areas that he can improve upon but in terms of his ceiling, he might be a PBA star at best, which is still not bad.

17. Jake Figueroa

Height: 6’3

Age: 20

Team: NU Bulldogs (UAAP)

Stats:

UAAP Season 86: 12.1 pts, 6.8 reb, 1.5 stl, 0.5 blk, 28.8 min

Jake Figueroa has transformed into one of the best wings in the UAAP. What is impressive is that he started out as an undersized PF during his high school days, but has steadily improved his shooting over the years (shot 13.0% from three last season to 30.0% this season). At age 20, he is already a borderline UAAP superstar and I would not be surprised if he takes another leap, catching the attention of international teams sooner than later.

16. CJ Cansino

Height: 6’3

Age: 24

Team: UP Fighting Maroons (UAAP)

Stats:

UAAP Season 86: 12.5 pts, 3.1 reb, 0.7 stl, 0.5 blk, 37.0% 3P (5.6 3PA), 19.3 min

CJ Cansino had a solid final playing year in the UAAP. His development has been interesting as he started as a forward who is an excellent downhill finisher and has developed into a well-rounded wing who can score on three levels. With his current style of play, he should be able to play as a wing in the PBA with the makings of a star. But in terms of his ceiling, he is a player capable of playing internationally, but this will depend on if consistently make his three-point shots and how he can elevate his guard skills enough to be a capable guard at that level.

15. Jacob Cortez

Height: 5’10

Age: 21

Team: San Beda Red Lions (NCAA)

Stats:

NCAA Season 99: 15.2 pts, 3.7 reb, 3.6 ast, 1.2 stl, 31.5% 3P (6.7 3PA)

Accolades:

NCAA Season 99 Champion

If you haven’t seen him play, you’re missing out. Jacob Cortez is without a doubt the best point guard in the NCAA this season and should be right there in the discussion of elite PGs in college basketball. Cortez is a crazy good scorer, but what separates him from most guards in the Philippines is how well he can navigate through traffic and dissect whatever defensive coverages teams throw at him. The player he is right now could make an impact on an international team, but his possible move to the UAAP may serve him well and may raise his stock as he goes against taller and more athletic defenses.  

14. Dave Ildefonso

Height: 6’2

Age: 23

Team: Suwon KT Sonicboom (KBL)

Stats:

2022-23 KBL: 5.1 pts, 29.5% 3P (2.1 3PA), 16.6 min

2023-24 KBL: 4.4 pts, 35.6% 3P (2.0 3PA), 10.1 min

Dave Ildefonso has had a subpar performance so far in his KBL career. One positive note though is his improvement in three-point shooting from 29.5% last season to 35.6% so far this season. But with how he played in the UAAP and Batang Gilas in the past, he still remains as one of the elite wings in the Philippines. In his second season in the KBL, he needs to take a leap sooner than later if he wants to continue his international career.

13. Rey Remogat

Height: 5’10

Age: 20

Team: UE Red Warriors (UAAP)

Stats:

UAAP Season 86: 16.5 pts, 6.4 reb, 7.9 ast, 2.0 stl, 0.6 blk, 36.6% 3P (7.2 3PA), 34.5 min

Accolades:

UAAP Season 86 Mythical Five

UAAP Season 86 Assists Leader

The UAAP assist leader and 3rd highest scorer continued his stellar performance from last season and has since elevated himself into the discussion of the best point guards in college basketball. What makes Remogat impressive is how consistent he is shooting the three-pointer despite the high volume and difficulty of his shots. The question now for him is if he can replicate this type of production next season knowing that teams have a full offseason to scheme for him. If he can, then he might be heading to Korea and Japan soon.

12. Nic Cabañero

Height: 6’3

Age: 20

Team: UST Growling Tigers (UAAP)

Stats:

UAAP Season 86: 16.8 pts, 6.4 reb, 2.4 ast, 1.1 stl, 32.7 min

Accolades:

UAAP Season 86 Scoring Leader

The 6’3 guard has again led all players in scoring in the UAAP. While his scoring efficiency dropped (true shooting went from 45.9% last season to 43.0% this season), he improved in taking care of the ball (3.5 turnovers per game last season to 2.7 this season) while still maintaining a similar number of assists per game. While he may not be as good a shooter (25.37% from three) and the playmaking chops might still be a bit lacking, he should still provide good value as a combo guard when he decides to play overseas as a tall guard. But Nic, at just 20, still has a lot of time to improve his shooting and polish his decision making and guard skills. His ceiling should be a national team prospect and a good player at the international level.

11. Juan Gomez De Liaño

Height: 6’1

Age: 24

Team: Seoul SK Knights (UAAP)

Stats:

2022-23 Lithuania LKL: 3.0 pts, 5.2 min

2023-24 KBL: 5.3 pts, 36.8% 3P (1.7 3PA), 11.1 min

The journeyman has had some ups and downs in his international career so far, but make no mistake, he is still one of the elite guards in the country. His athleticism is rare for a player his size in the Philippines and based on his UAAP career, he should still be one of the best shooters in the country. While his minutes are still sparse in the KBL, he should get better as what the eye test suggests. The player as he is now should be a national team prospect, but with more reps internationally, he might reach Abarrientos and Belangel’s level.

10. Kai Ballungay 

Height: 6’7

Age: 21

Team: Ateneo Blue Eagles (UAAP)

Stats:

UAAP Season 86: 11.6 pts, 8.0 reb, 2.3 ast, 0.8 stl, 26.5 min

Kai Ballungay had a productive year in his final season as he increased his scoring from 10.3 points per game last season to 11.6 this season. There are worrying signs of efficiency though (true shooting went down from 62.3% last season to 52.3% this season) but he is still an elite forward who can play the three or four positions internationally. If his shooting reverts back to his Season 85 numbers, he should be a shoo-in as an Asian import in overseas leagues. 

9. Mason Amos

Height: 6’7

Age: 19

Team: Ateneo Blue Eagles (UAAP)

Stats:

2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: 6.5 pts, 60.0% 3P (2.0 3PA), 6.7 min

UAAP Season 86: 8.9 pts, 3.4 reb, 42.9% 3P (4.2 3PA), 15.8 min

The 19 year old has finally put himself in the radar of the national team with his recent Batang Gilas stint and national team debut during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. Despite the limited minutes with Ateneo, Amos still had a decent production where he shot an efficient 42.9% from three on high volume which bodes well as he continues his development in the UAAP. There are areas of his game that got exposed which might explain his limited minutes in his debut season but make no mistake, expect him to take a leap next season with increased opportunities and more responsibility on offense.

8. Michael Phillips

Height: 6’8

Age: 21

Team: De La Salle Green Archers (UAAP)

Stats:

UAAP Season 86: 8.5 pts, 8.6 reb, 1.6 stl, 1.0 blk, 20.2 min

The 6’8 athletic big has been a walking mismatch ever since he stepped foot on the UAAP court. You put a stronger big on him? He can blow by them with his agility. You put a quicker big on him? He can bully them with his strength and elevate with his explosiveness. He should be able to play at an import-like level in the PBA, but with his potential, he could go on to be a star at the international level. Although at 6’8, he is a bit undersized as a big and doesn’t have enough skills as of now to play at the forward positions in that big a stage. There are still encouraging signs though as he attempted just one three-pointer last season and has increased it to 18 this season, hitting five of them (27.8%). If he does continue to play in the UAAP, expect him to get better with his shot and add more dimension to his game. 

7. Francis Lopez

Height: 6’6

Age: 20

Team: UP Fighting Maroons (UAAP)

Stats:

UAAP Season 86: 9.0 pts, 6.3 reb, 2.9 ast, 1.3 stl, 0.8 blk, 21.7 min

Accolades:

UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year

Francis “Lebron” Lopez has completed his first full season in the UAAP finishing as the runner-up and notching the Rookie of the Year award. While the numbers may not show it, he proved that he was one of the best forwards in the country as the eye test suggests. He was always known for his athleticism but playing as a four for UP, he had playmaking flashes playing as a trail big at times which made him a mismatch against smaller and slower forwards in the UAAP. There are still concerns with his shooting (50.3% true shooting and 27.5% on three-pointers) but he seems to be on the right path to develop as a good wing player the national team badly needs. His development will be exciting to see with a full offseason to work on.

6. Kevin Quiambao

Height: 6’5

Age: 21

Team: De La Salle Green Archers (UAAP)

Stats:

UAAP Season 86: 16.7 pts, 10.9 reb, 6.0 ast, 2.0 stl, 0.9 blk, 36.0% 3P (6.4 3PA), 28.7 min

Accolades:

UAAP Season 86 Most Valuable Player

UAAP Season 86 Finals MVP

UAAP Season 86 Mythical Five

The best player in college basketball right now had a very productive season finishing second highest in scoring, third highest in rebounds and third highest in assists in the UAAP. One of the important things to note is how he improved his three-point shooting from 19.2% on 3.6 attempts per game last season to 36.0% on 6.4 attempts per game this season which was a huge increase in both volume and efficiency. A lot of this can be attributed to how he was utilized this season as a trail big and a post hub where the offense went through him in most La Salle possessions. After committing for another season in La Salle despite receiving international offers, it will be interesting to see if he can replicate this type of production with an objectively weaker La Salle team after the departure of their key guards. 

5. Carl Tamayo

Height: 6’7

Age: 22

Team: Ryukyu Golden Kings (B-League)

Stats:

2022-23 B-League: 2.5 pts, 1.3 reb, 7.8 min

2023-24 B-League: 3.6 pts, 2.8 reb, 13.3 min

Entering his second season in the Japanese B-League, Carl Tamayo has had an underwhelming stint so far. He had some encouraging signs where he put up 15 points and 5 rebounds in his first game this season but has been downhill since then. Despite the poor production, he is still the best national team prospect by far at the four and has made a leap since he made the move to play overseas basketball. His development as he continues to grind some playing time in Japan will be something to watch out for. We should also expect to see him suit up for the national team more in the near future.

4. SJ Belangel

Height: 5’10

Age: 24

Team: Daegu KOGAS Pegasus (KBL)

Stats:

2022-23 KBL: 7.0 pts, 2.0 ast, 0.8 stl, 27.9% 3P (2.9 3PA), 18.8 min

2023-24 KBL: 13.7 pts, 3.5 ast, 0.9 stl, 40.0% 3P (4.2 3PA), 30.0 min 

The 24 year old has finally broken out this KBL season and looks like his best version in year-two in the KBL. With an increase in production in points and assists, he also had an increase in shooting efficiency (27.9% on 2.9 attempts per game to 40.0% on 4.2 attempts per game from three). He should serve as a good example for undersized point guards in the Philippines if they want to be successful in making an impact overseas, a player who can not only shoot the lights out, but also has the IQ to consistently make good reads and find his spots on the floor. A possible starting point guard for Gilas in the near future?

3. RJ Abarrientos

Height: 5’11

Age: 24

Team: Shinshu Brave Warriors (B-League)

Stats:

2022-23 KBL: 13.3 pts, 4.8 ast, 1.3 stl, 34.4% 3P (7.7 3PA), 29.1 min

2023-24 B-League: 9.0 pts, 2.6 ast, 0.7 stl, 36.4% 3P (5.4 3PA), 15.2 min

Accolades:

2023 KBL Rookie of the Year

2023 KBL All-Rookie Team

2023 All-KBL Team Honorable Mention

RJ Abarrientos skyrocketed into Korean basketball stardom quickly in his first season, winning Rookie of the Year honors and was also a candidate for All-KBL teams. After moving to Japan this season, he had a huge decrease in minutes which affected his overall production but his efficiency remained the same. Despite this, he is without a doubt the best point guard in the Philippines under the age of 25 and is a sure candidate for Gilas point guard duties in the next tournaments. Just like his fellow friend SJ Belangel, he is another example for point guards in the Philippines to replicate, but what separates him from most though is how well he makes difficult shots from almost anywhere on the floor (watch some of his highlights and you will know). 

2. Kai Sotto

Height: 7’3

Age: 21

Team: Yokohama B-Corsairs (B-League)

Stats:

2022-23 NBL Australia: 6.9 pts 4.5 reb, 0.8 blk, 12.9 min

2022-23 B-League: 8.9 pts, 6.1 reb, 1.3 blk, 19.1 min

2023 FIBA World Cup: 6.0 pts, 4.0 reb, 0.8 blk, 14.2 min

The Filipino wunderkind had a solid year as he went from the NBL to the B-League and then showcased his talent in the 2023 FIBA World Cup where he played solid minutes as a backup center for the national team. While many would have expected more production from him, he is still without a doubt a generational talent in the Philippines and should continue his development as he recovers from recurring injuries that plagued him throughout the year. 

1. AJ Edu

Height: 6’10

Age: 23

Team: Toyama Grouses (B-League)

2022-23 NCAA D1: 2.8 pts, 2.9 reb, 0.8 blk, 12.3 min

2023 FIBA World Cup: 8.2 pts, 8.6 reb, 1.2 blk, 29.6 min

2023-24 B-League: 13.1 pts, 8.8 reb, 0.6 blk, 29.2 min

What a difference a year makes for a player’s career trajectory. Before his FIBA World Cup stint his future seemed humble as he was plagued with injuries for most of his developmental years, but after a good run in the FIBA World Cup, he quickly became one of Asia’s rising stars. As of writing, he has been an integral part of the Toyama Grouses core earning huge minutes and is having good production, so far averaging double-digits in scoring and 2nd most rebounds in his team. With the B-League being a tough league to get playing time from our young guns, seeing AJ Edu easing into it in just his first year shows how much talent and potential this player really has, and ranking him number one should be just as fitting.