Currently, both the UAAP and the NCAA are halfway through. And before you know it, it will be the collegiate season again. But for now, let’s appreciate these kids while we still can. Because believe me, they’re something to watch.
While we’re enjoying their high school careers play out, there’s no doubt that some of them will soon be collegiate superstars. And based on their potential, skillset, experience, hype, and simple eye tests, we bring you this; here are the eight high school basketball players who are coming up hot:
Reinhard Jumamoy, NU Bullpups
Age: 19
Height: 5’11
Notable performance: Reinhard Jumamoy tallied an insane stat line of 25 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists in their 78-62 win against UPIS—his second triple-double. This feat was the first since Mark Nonoy of UST Tiger Cubs in 2019.Â
Hands down one of the most college-ready ballers on this list. Jumamoy is just in a league of his own, putting up a well-rounded performance game after game. Only halfway into the season as of writing, this guy is already breaking record books.Â
Andy Gemao, Letran Squires
Age: 16
Height: 6’1
Notable performance: In Letran’s 116-82 win against EAC, Andy Gemao put up 26 points and eight rebounds in under 15 minutes of action. Imagine putting up this amount of points in just a quarter and a half.
This could not be a legit list if the Squires superstar wasn’t in it. Gemao is taking over the NCAA Juniors Basketball Tournament by storm, leading Letran to the top of the standings as of writing. Having international experience after being the youngest member of the U16 Philippines squad in the FIBA Asia Championship at the age of 15, this kid is probably the most hyped-up prospect in all of high school basketball. A walking highlight reel, for sure.
Lebron Nieto, Ateneo Blue Eaglets
Age: 17
Height: 6’0
Notable performance: Lebron Nieto produced 34 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and four steals in their 109-64 demolition against UPIS. Talk about living up to his first—and last—name.
Basketball runs in the blood of the Nietos. Just like his big brothers Mike and Matt, Lebron also played in the U16 FIBA Asia Championship to represent the country. And being named after one of the greatest players ever, this high school basketball player must be good, right? Turns out, yes.
Seven Gagate, LSGH Greenies
Age: 18
Height: 6’8
Notable Performance: In their meeting against defending champions San Beda Red Cubs, Seven Gagate led the Greenies from 19 points down to secure the comeback 87-84 victory. He scored 22 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks to get their third straight win.
This 6-foot-8 towering big man already proved himself in last year's FIBA U18 Championship. Gagate already showed flashes of potential and has only gotten better ever since.
John Rey Pasaol, FEU Baby Tamaraws
Age: 19
Height: 5’11
Notable Performance: John Rey Pasaol carried it from both ends of the floor against his brother’s alma mater, UE. He put up 27 points, seven assists, and four steals on 69% shooting from the field to get the 116-80 blowout victory.
After the first round of the UAAP Boys Basketball Tournament, the Baby Tamaraws led the league in points per game while being second on field goal efficiency, all thanks to their floor general, Pasaol. And just like his big bro Alvin of the Meralco Bolts, this kid is a bucket-getter.
SJ Moore, Arellano Braves
Age: 19
Height: 6’2
Notable Performance: SJ Moore shone in their matchup against powerhouse Letran Squires. He tallied 24 points, 18 rebounds, and four blocks to snap Arellano’s four-game losing skid. Talk about showing up for the big moments.
I know, I know. The Braves are struggling this season, losing to an average margin of just 2.5 points per contest in their first four games while having a 0-4 record. They definitely are the heartbreak kids of high school basketball. But if your star player is getting comparisons to Houston Rockets star Jalen Green, he deserves to be on this list.Â
Kieffer Alas, DLSZ Junior Archers
Age: 15
Height: 6’2
Notable Performance: Currently, Kiefer Alas is playing for the DLSZ Junior Archers. And against UPIS, he played his best game yet in the high school division, turning his 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals in a win.
Kieffer is the son of the former PBA head coach Louie and the sibling of the NLEX Road Warriors star Kevin. His stats aren’t the best regarding numbers, but Alas, the youngest on the list, probably has the most experience out of all the players in this listicle.Â
At 12, he was already playing overseas as an import for an Indonesian team, Indonesia Muda, at the 8th Asia Pacific Basketball Youth Cup. And just last year, Alas led Elite Philippines to the U15 9th Asia Pacific Cup championship.
Andrei Dungo, San Beda Red Cubs
Age: 18
Height: 6’3
Notable Performance: Andrei Dungo produced 19 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in a win vs. SSCR. Now you’re lying if you tell me these aren’t Giannis Antetokounmpo-like numbers. And with one more year left in his high school tank, this guy will surely be a much better player as he goes up to the collegiate ranks.
Dungo has a lot of weight to carry off his shoulders as he is playing for San Beda Red Cubs—the winningest high school program not just in the NCAA but in all of high school basketball. And so far, he is delivering.
