FEU Star Kirby Mongcopa Signs Two-Year Deal with Nike

Kirby Mongcopa, one of Philippine college basketball’s more compelling young names, has signed a two-year apparel endorsement deal with Nike.

The agreement was confirmed by Edgar Mangahas of Mangahas Sports Management, Mongcopa’s manager, who said the partnership reflects both the FEU Tamaraw’s progress as a player and the work he has put in to return from a difficult chapter in his career.

“This is a big milestone for Kirby,” Mangahas said. “He has gone through a lot to get back on the court, and Nike recognizing him at this stage of his journey says a lot about the kind of athlete and person he is. We are grateful for the trust, and Kirby is excited to represent the brand with the same discipline and humility he brings to the game.”

Before reaching the UAAP seniors stage, Kirby was one of the standouts of FEU-Diliman’s juniors program, helping the Baby Tamaraws win the UAAP Season 85 boys’ basketball championship and earning Finals MVP honors.

His transition to the collegiate level was delayed by a serious injury setback to his leg, forcing him to spend an extended period away from competitive basketball before finally making his senior debut with FEU.

With the Tamaraws, Mongcopa has shown why there was still reason to believe. He has given FEU size, rebounding, activity, and two-way edge, while also flashing the kind of versatility that makes him useful beyond basic scoring.

FEU remains one of the country’s heritage basketball programs, a school with a deep UAAP tradition and a long history of producing pros, national team players, and recognizable names in Philippine hoops.

Under head coach Sean Chambers, the Tamaraws have been trying to build a new identity around toughness, player development, and a young core capable of growing together.

Mongcopa fits that direction, perhaps even steers the wheel. He gives FEU a developing frontcourt piece with a proven youth pedigree and a comeback story that can resonate beyond Morayta.

Nike remains one of the most influential basketball brands in the Philippines, powered by its global signature lines, its Jordan Brand presence, its Nike Fort retail hub, and its continued connection to Filipino hoop culture through athletes, events, and product storytelling.

In the Philippines, Nike’s basketball stature has been reinforced by names such as Kiefer Ravena, the first Filipino athlete to join Jordan Brand, and Chris Newsome, a PBA champion and franchise legend for the Meralco Bolts.

Nike has also leaned into women’s basketball through Sabrina Ionescu’s Manila visit and local programs connected to players such as Camille Clarin.

Outside basketball, Alex Eala has become one of Nike’s strongest Filipino athlete stories, carrying Philippine identity on some of the biggest stages in tennis.

For Kirby, the deal is part of the validation of the long road back.