THREE UST Tiger Cubs standouts – Kirk Cañete, Jhon Lee Melano and Charles Esteban, have risen-up through the ranks after making the cut of the 21-man roster of the UST Growling Tigers for the 2026 NSAC College Basketball Tour from April 11 to May 24.
Despite falling short against Fil-Am Nation Select in the NBTC National Finals, Tiger Cubs head coach Manu Iñigo welcomed the development, viewing it as a strong indication of the trio’s potential elevation in the senior squad.
“Of course, I’m happy that they’re part of the lineup because it means there’s a big chance they can be included in our seniors team,” Iñigo told The Flame.
“I’m proud of our players because they are being elevated to the next level,” he added.
Co-captains Cañete and Esteban are set to reunite with former Season 87 championship teammates Koji Buenaflor, Charles Bucsit and Carl Manding.
Meanwhile, forward Melano continues to solidify his reputation in the hard-court after earning a spot in the NBTC Division 1 Mythical Five.
The trio will join a core group bannered by Gelo Crisostomo, Mur Alao, Ivanne Calum, Mark Llemit, Jiro Sevilla, Bryle Teng, Ice Danting and Alejandro Melecio III.
Also included in the lineup are foreign-student athletes Collins Akowe and Peter Osang, alongside new recruits Kris Porter, James Jumao-As, Donovan Sevilla and Cebuano recruit Henry Suico
Bracketed under Group B, the España-based squad will take on NU Bulldogs, San Sebastian Golden Stags and Perpetual Altas in a single round robin format.
The Tigers will kick off their bid for the NSAC crown against NU Bulldogs on Sunday, April 19, at the Blue Eagle Gym. F
