(With additional reporting by Aaron Brent)
One of the country’s brightest young guards—Joaquin Tovera—has found his collegiate home in the UAAP.
Fresh off reopening his recruitment, reigning FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers Most Valuable Player Joaquin Tovera has committed to De La Salle University, where he will begin his UAAP career starting Season 89.
Why Joaquin Tovera Chose La Salle
For the 18‑year‑old playmaker, the decision to de-commit from UP and transfer to La Salle was about more than basketball.
“At the end of the day, family was the biggest reason behind my decision,” Tovera said explaining his decision.
“I’ve always been closest to the people who have supported me since day one, and knowing I’ll be in an environment where I can be near them gives me a lot of peace and confidence. That support system means everything to me, and I believe it will help me become a better player and an even better person.”
Tovera has long‑standing ties to the Cortez family, having previously played alongside Mikey Cortez with Tumakbo Basketball. His connection to the Green Archers also extends off the court, as La Salle great Mike Cortez is the cousin of Gregg Rivera, Tovera’s uncle.
The commitment comes just days after Tovera announced that he was reopening his recruitment despite already seeing action for the University of the Philippines during the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
Joaquin Tovera Is a Bona Fide Scorer
With this move, Joaquin Tovera will be bringing his scoring ability to Taft.
Despite Gilas Youth’s winless 0‑5 campaign in the Filoil tournament, Tovera still impressed after averaging 18.5 points and 7.0 assists per game. He then played for the Fighting Maroons and faced the Green Archers, the FEU Tamaraws, and the Mapua Cardinals. In his brief stint with UP, Tovera showed flashes of his potential, tallying 6 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals against La Salle before adding 7 points and 3 assists versus FEU. He later earned his first start in UP’s quarterfinal matchup against Mapua.
During the FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers in Thailand, he averaged 16.4 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 steals per game as the Philippines captured the championship and secured a berth in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in Ahmedabad, India, this coming August.
Joaquin Tovera and His Next Chapter
Now set to wear the green and white, Tovera is eager to begin the next chapter of his career.
“I’m really excited to join De La Salle University and become part of such a proud basketball program,” he said. “I’m looking forward to learning from the coaches, competing with my new teammates, and doing everything I can to help us succeed. I can’t wait to get to work.”
Tovera gives the Green Archers another weapon in the backcourt as they aim to defend their UAAP title. His arrival also provides added depth and firepower, especially with Cortez entering his final year of UAAP eligibility and potentially ending it with another championship.
