Mark Belmonte Leaves UP, Eyes NCAA Move to Reset, Develop

Mark Belmonte has decided to move on from the University of the Philippines after three years with the Fighting Maroons, closing a chapter that saw him grow from an intriguing prospect into a rotation player.

The decision, confirmed by Belmonte himself, is rooted in his desire to find a better opportunity for long-term development as a basketball player.

Belmonte said his next step will be in the NCAA, where he is already drawing interest from multiple schools. Once he commits, he is expected to sit out a year of residency before becoming eligible to play. Under current eligibility rules, that timeline positions him to return to competitive action in 2027 with two full years of playing eligibility remaining.

During his time with UP, Belmonte was described by his coaches as a ready-when-called player off UP’s deep bench.

While he was rarely the headline name on a roster loaded with talent, he consistently earned minutes through effort, energy, and an ability to contribute when opportunities opened.

As he prepares for a transition to the NCAA, the 21-year-old’s move reflects a broader trend among collegiate players seeking environments where they can expand their roles and sharpen their games. For him, the decision is less about leaving UP and more about finding a setting where growth, opportunity, and consistency align.

Where he ultimately lands will shape the next phase of his career. Belmonte, a versatile talent at 6-foot-6, will re-emerge in 2027 with two years to make his mark, carrying with him the experience of competing in a championship-caliber UAAP program and the motivation of a player banking on his own development.