Devin Fikes Set for Philippine Return with Letran Knights

Devin Fikes is set to make his return to the Philippine collegiate basketball scene, this time with the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights.

According to a source, the Filipino-Canadian forward has transferred to Letran and will undergo a year of residency in 2026 before becoming eligible to play in NCAA Season 103 in 2027. Fikes is expected to have two playing years available once he clears residency, giving the Knights another experienced wing-forward as they continue to build for the coming seasons.

The move marks a notable shift for Fikes, who left the University of the East Red Warriors in 2025 and returned to Canada after two seasons in the UAAP. At the time, his departure appeared to close the door on an immediate move to another Philippine school. Instead, Fikes continued his basketball journey back home, eventually suiting up for St. Clair College in Ontario.

Now, his expected arrival in Manila gives Letran a player already familiar with the pace, physicality, and pressure of Philippine collegiate basketball. Fikes first entered the local scene in 2023 as part of UE’s Fil-foreign recruitment class, joining the Red Warriors after making his name in the Canadian basketball circuit.

A 6-foot-4 forward from Windsor, Ontario, Fikes, who is represented by Fil-Can Nation Select, brought size, shooting, and defensive versatility to UE. He was viewed as a two-way wing who could guard multiple positions, run the floor, and provide energy on both ends.

The CSB Blazers and Mapua Cardinals were also interested in Fikes. According to Blazers head coach Charles Tiu, they “begged off for budget reasons.”

His first UAAP season, however, was interrupted by injury. Fikes played nine games in Season 86 before suffering a knee injury that required surgery and ended his campaign. He returned in Season 87 and became a regular part of UE’s rotation, averaging 6.47 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while helping give the Red Warriors added size on the perimeter and in the frontcourt.

His transfer to Letran now gives him a fresh start in the NCAA, where his experience could prove valuable once he becomes eligible. The Knights have long been known for their physical, defense-first identity, and Fikes’ profile fits the type of player who can thrive in that system.

For Fikes, the move represents a second chance in Philippine collegiate basketball after a UE stint shaped by both promise and adversity. If healthy and fully settled by Season 103, he could give the Knights a mature, battle-tested forward with UAAP experience, Canadian college seasoning, and two years to make an impact in the NCAA.