Another member of the Gilas Pilipinas Boys pool has found his collegiate home.
Standout guard Kyle Sardon has committed to De La Salle University, choosing the Green Archers for both their basketball program and academic reputation as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.
Sardon said that La Salle’s combination of athletics and academics ultimately convinced him to commit.
“Aside po sa basketball program, malaking tulong din po sa akin ang academics ng La Salle, lalo na para sa future ko,” he was quoted as saying by Tiebreaker Times.
Sardon Credits Former Player in Shaping Decision
The 18-year-old playmaker from Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, also credited Spencer Pretta for helping shape his decision. Pretta, who previously played under Topex Robinson during his stint at Lyceum of the Philippines University, shared valuable insight into La Salle’s basketball culture and academic environment.
“Medyo malaking influence din si Kuya Spencer kasi na-layout po niya talaga yung basketball program at yung academics po ng La Salle sa akin,” Sardon said.
The St. Roberts International College standout has steadily emerged as one of the country’s top young guards.
He caught the attention of collegiate programs during the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup after scoring 20 points against the University of the Philippines. Sardon also averaged 6.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in the SEABA qualifiers and is currently part of the Gilas Pilipinas Boys pool preparing for the 2026 FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup in Ahmedabad, India.
Despite missing part of La Salle’s preseason preparations due to his national team commitments, Sardon believes his Gilas experience will help him adjust to the collegiate game in the UAAP.
“Malaking help po sa akin yung Gilas in terms of competition and paano mai-improve yung laro ko na sana po ay mag-translate to college,” Sardon added.
Another Palarong Pambansa Standout
Before committing to La Salle, Sardon starred for Western Visayas during the 2025 Palarong Pambansa alongside Luke Rose, establishing himself as one of the country’s brightest young prospects.
He also expressed gratitude to the people who played significant roles in his basketball journey.
“Super grateful po ako kay Coach John kasi siya ang nagbigay sa akin ng chance na mag-grow yung laro ko every year sa St. Robert’s. Thankful din ako sa Elite Lab family, and lalong-lalo na po sa parents sa Iloilo dahil all-out po sila sa journey ko papuntang college,” Sardon said.
Now set to suit up for one of the country’s premier collegiate programs, Sardon is looking forward to beginning his career under Robinson.
“Super excited ako kasi dream school ko po yung La Salle at makapaglaro under Coach Topex,” he ended.
