Photo: NCAA

By Raymond Reyes

San Beda University management committee representative Atty. Jonas Cabochan himself shut down rumors that the school is set to leave the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and transfer to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

After the Red Lions emerged victorious over longtime NCAA rival Letran College in the Season 101 men’s basketball Finals, talks of the Mendiola-based team moving to the UAAP resurfaced.

However, Cabochan emphasized that such claims have no basis, stressing that San Beda remains committed to serving as one of the pillars of the country’s oldest collegiate league.

“Whenever San Beda wins a championship, people always think we’re moving to the UAAP,” he said during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum in Manila.

“That supposed move is just a rumor, a rumor that easily spreads. And of course, if there are people who buy into it, it becomes a topic of discussion.”

Instead, Cabochan said the focus should be on Season 102 later this year, which San Beda will host, as they anticipate tougher competition especially as the defending champions in seniors’ basketball.

“San Beda is a founding member of the NCAA, the last remaining founding member. And as you can see, San Beda also contributes to national sports, producing the likes of Chito Loyzaga and. Eduardo Pacheco, so we are committed to the league” he said.

Before the NCAA officially moves on to Season 102, the league will first conclude several events, including under-15 basketball, beach volleyball, esports, and track and field, as well as demonstration sports such as aerobic gymnastics, boxing, weightlifting, and golf.

The league is also in talks as it searches for a new broadcast partner, with its current deal with GMA Network set to officially end on May 31, 2026.

“Watch out for the next chapter,” said Cabochan, who also serves as the NCAA Management Committee’s vice chairman.