UAAP High School Champions FEU-Diliman, UST to Represent PH in NBA Rising Stars Invitational

UAAP Far Eastern University–Diliman and the University of Santo Tomas are set to carry the Philippine flag in the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore.

The Baby Tamaraws and Junior Growling Tigresses secured their spots in the international tournament after emerging as champions of the UAAP Season 88 High School Basketball competitions, which served as the country’s qualifying event.

The annual showcase will take place from June 23 to 28 at the OCBC Arena in Singapore, featuring some of the top youth basketball teams from across the region.

FEU–Diliman will be led by standout players Prince Cariño and JB Cagurungan. They will be joined by Mark Dulin, Dwyne Enriquez, JA Lopez, Duke Santos, Patrick Sohm, Shaun Barlan, and Kierdy Victoria as the Baby Tamaraws seek to make their mark on the international stage.

On the girls’ side, UST will be bannered by Rhiane Perez and Lea Pinuela, alongside Noelle Arciaga, Lhian Arabi, Arianne Hew, Sofia Petalcorin, Nadine Labay, Laela Mateo, Angela Capinpin, and Jesabel Anacan.

Allan Albano will serve as head coach of the Baby Tamaraws, while Sen Dysangco will guide the Junior Growling Tigresses throughout the tournament.

The boys’ field will feature representatives from across the Asia-Pacific region, including Assumption College Thonburi of Thailand, Berwick College of Australia, Tongtex of Taiwan, and Phoenix Tottori Johoku of Japan.

Joining UST in the girls’ division are Wainonoppakhun School of Thailand, Rowville Secondary College of Australia, Yang Ming High School of Taiwan, and Seika of Japan.

Adding further prestige to the event, Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura and former NBA standout Mitch Richmond are scheduled to participate in the weeklong basketball showcase.