The NCAA will welcome fresh new talents soon after UAAP standouts Mark Belmonte and Nico Mulingtapang transferred to the grand-old century league.
Mark Belmonte Commits to Letrán Knights
After playing three years with the UP Fighting Maroons, the 6-foot-5 forward will next join the Letrán Knights to fortify Coach Allen Ricardo’s squad. Letrán beat out fellow NCAA schools San Beda Red Lions and Benilde Blazers for Belmonte’s services.
In his last season with UP, Belmonte averaged 3.7 points and 2.4 rebounds in limited minutes. With the transfer, the talented wing is now eyeing a bigger role in Intramuros and more minutes.
Mark Belmonte will serve his residency in NCAA Season 102 and will be able to suit up for the Knights next year in Season 103.
Nico Mulingtapang Goes to Benilde Blazers
After playing two seasons with the UE Red Warriors in the UAAP, the young guard gets a fresh start with Charles Tiu at Benilde.
The former Red Warrior is actually the NCAA’s prodigal son, having donned the yellow and red of the Mapua Red Cardinals in Season 99, albeit in the juniors division. Now part of the green and white of CSB, Mulingtapang is expected to provide additional scoring for the Blazers.
Like Belmonte, Nico Mulingtapang will serve residency in Season 102 this year and will be able to play in Season 103 in 2027.
Belmonte and Mulingtapang: A Welcome Infusion of Talent for the NCAA
The transfers of Mark Belmonte and Nico Mulingtapang to the NCAA are a welcome infusion of talent for a league that has continually lost its top players either to the UAAP or the pro ranks.
In fact, just recently, the NCAA lost star guard Agjanti Miller to the La Salle Green Archers of the UAAP while also losing Patrick Sleat to the MPBL. Sleat and Miller, incidentally, were two of the NCAA’s more recognizable players, and losing them is a big hit to the league.
But with Belmonte and Mulingtapang on board, the NCAA can at least start stockpiling talent once more.
