San Beda University rookie sensation Agjanti Miller announced on Instagram on Saturday that he is leaving the defending champions.
Once a Bedan, Always a Bedan
The 21-year-old guard played in the NCAA Season 101 and helped the Red Lions win the title against their arch rivals, Colegio de San Juan de Letrán.
“You guys took a chance on me and embraced me as one of your own. A kid who wasn’t familiar with his Filipino roots some may say I’m not even Filipino,” Miller wrote on Instagram.
Last season was the first time that Miller played in the Philippines, as he previously played for Vanden High School in the US before transferring to the Casper College Thunderbirds.
“Not only did you take me in for basketball but yall helped me to understand my history. I love my teammates and my coaches I’m glad I was able to bring you guys and the community a championship and leave a winner,” he added.
In his lone season in the NCAA, the 6-foot-4 guard averaged 20.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists on 43% shooting.
The Red Lions, with Agjanti Miller as one of they key players, went 9-4 in the eliminations to earn a twice-to-beat advantage. They easily dismantled Lyceum of the Philippines in the quarterfinals, won a do-or-die game against the College of Saint Benilde, and then swept the Letrán Knights in the Finals.
Where to Next, Agjanti Miller?
Miller’s decision isn’t necessarily surprising. But his message likely hints at a big move to rival league UAAP.
“Unfortunately with recent understanding of the timing of Beda joining the UAAP, I have decided to transfer. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else but I refuse to play in the NCAA league.”
Based on Miller’s statement, it appears San Beda won’t be joining the UAAP in a long-rumored move—at least not for next season. Otherwise, Miller would remain a Bedan if the Red Lions were, indeed, moving to the UAAP. But since Miller doesn’t want to play in the NCAA anymore, it means San Beda is staying put for the meantime.
Curiously, Miller was recently linked to the reigning UAAP Season 88 champs, La Salle Green Archers. In fact, he was even seen watching La Salle live in the Finals—and at the Green Archer side of the court no less.
So, is Agjanti Miller headed to the UAAP next, or are the pro ranks waving already? We’ll find out soon enough.
Back-to-Back Titles Take a Big Hit
While Agjanti Miller’s future destination remains up for speculation, two things are certain: He’s leaving San Beda, and the Red Lions are worse off because of it.
With Yukien Andrada already in the PBA, Miller’s departure means San Beda has lost arguably its two best players from last season’s championship run. Another key player, Bryan Sajonia, is also gone and has signed with the Titan Ultra Giant Risers in the PBA. Needless to say, Yuri Escueta and the Red Lions’ bid to win back-to-back titles has been put in jeopardy—that is, unless they can reload the lineup with fresh new talent immediately.
(A previous version of this article mistakenly stated that Nygel Gonzales has graduated, which is not the case. It was an oversight on my part as editor, and we profusely apologize for the mistake. We will do better moving forward. – Martin Bolima, Managing Editor of Rebanse Sports Media)
