Jomel Puno Returning to San Beda for NCAA Season 102

Jomel Puno is set to return to the San Beda Red Lions for one more season.

Puno confirmed to ALL-STAR Magazine that he has decided to come back and play for San Beda in NCAA Season 102, giving the Red Lions another veteran presence as they prepare for their title defense.

The Filipino-Canadian forward had previously taken time away to recover and get healthy after dealing with injuries, but he is now working his way back into rhythm. Puno has already been attending practices with his teammates and is getting back in the swing of things with the team.

“After last season I was mentally checked out because of my injuries limiting me, but in the last three months I started a new journey focusing on both mental and physical aspects of my game,” Puno told ALL-STAR Magazine. “Now that I feel better than ever, I’m ready to show the new me while being able to compete alongside my brothers, especially for my day one Nygel Gonzales.”

Puno said the break began after San Beda’s championship run last season, when he returned home for Christmas and stepped away from training and basketball.

“After going home for Christmas break last year following our championship, I took a break from all training and basketball because I kind of found myself in a dark place most athletes tend to get into,” Puno said. “I slowly started to gain that love and passion for basketball and self-improvement.”

After returning to Manila, Puno said he became more intentional with his recovery and overall approach to the game.

“I began to become obsessed with pushing my body to my limits, with rehab, extra work, meditation, proper recovery, and self-love,” he said.

Puno said the injuries he focused on were back spasms and knee pain, both of which he said are now “all good.” He also spoke about the mental side of what he went through and why he wants to be open about it.

“I always advocate mental health to the public and youth because I myself have always quietly dealt with it and others around us constantly are without even knowing,” Puno said. “I just learned to smile and to be positive always. I took every new day as a gift because I learned that tomorrow is never guaranteed and life and basketball shouldn’t be taken for granted.”

Gonzales, one of San Beda’s key guards, is expected to miss NCAA Season 102 after suffering an ACL injury to his right knee. His absence will be a significant blow for the Red Lions, who are preparing for the new season after winning the NCAA Season 101 championship.

For Puno, the decision to return also comes after making sure he remained eligible. He continued attending his classes during the offseason, passed his grades, and is cleared to suit up for San Beda this year.

His return gives San Beda another experienced piece after a decorated run with the program. Puno was part of the Red Lions’ championship teams in NCAA Seasons 99 and 101, and he has shown the ability to contribute as a versatile forward who can rebound, defend, and provide timely scoring.

With Puno back in the fold, San Beda adds another familiar name to its rotation while Gonzales begins his road to recovery. For the Red Lions, it gives the team added continuity.