A month after a sudden exit from the La Salle Green Archers, veteran EJ Gollena has become the latest UAAP star to shift to the NCAA route, as he is set to continue his collegiate career with the JRU Heavy Bombers.
Despite being named team captain for Season 89, Gollena parted ways with the reigning champions in July, where he spent the first three years of his career blossoming into a serviceable rotation guard.
Gollena leaves the Taft‑based squad with a decorated résumé, clinching two championships for the Archers in Seasons 86 and 88, and sealing back‑to‑back titles for the 3×3 tournament in Seasons 87 and 88.
Gollena Heads for Bigger Role With JRU
Averaging around 5.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in his final season with DLSU, Gollena is expected to bring more length and defensive pressure to the Heavy Bombers in a much more physical league in the NCAA.
The 6‑foot‑3 guard must first serve a one‑year residency period before being eligible to suit up for JRU for two more years, beginning in Season 103.
The move also reunites Gollena with former teammate Rhyle Melencio, who also recently transferred from La Salle following their Season 88 championship.
Heavy Bombers Look to Make Statement This Year
Despite Gollena not being able to play this coming year, the Heavy Bombers still remain one of the deadliest teams in the NCAA and are set to become massive title favorites.
Following a grueling quarterfinal loss to the Perpetual Altas in Season 101, JRU made major noise throughout the offseason after being crowned champions in the 2026 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, becoming only the second NCAA team in the last decade to do so.
The Heavy Bombers also snagged gold in the Cebu City Collegiate Invitational Basketball Tournament and reached a fourth‑place finish in the NSAC World Invitational.
With Lawrence Mangubat and Chris Hubilla leading the charge for at least two more years, Gollena and JRU are poised to become the newest names to watch in the Philippine collegiate basketball scene.
