NU Bulldogs Miranda, Reyes Sign Three-Year Deals with ANTA

National University Bulldogs Dwyne Miranda and Vince Reyes have secured long-term backing ahead of the upcoming UAAP season after signing three-year sponsorship agreements with ANTA Philippines.

The deals were announced to the press at ANTA’s headquarters in Mandaluyong on July 30, making the two Bulldogs official athletes and merchandise representatives of the sportswear brand.

“Para saakin, sobrang blessed po mabigyan ng opportunity na ganito. Once in a lifetime lang makakuha ng ganitong brand,” Miranda said during the event.

The 21-year-old guard is particularly looking forward to playing in the ANTA Shock Wave line, which has become one of the company’s leading basketball shoes.

“Yung Shock Wave. Ever since, nakikita ko yung shoes, gusto ko try,” he added.

Reyes shared his teammate’s appreciation for the opportunity.

“Sobrang blessed kami na bigyan ng opportunity na ganito,” he said.

While Miranda has his eyes on the Shock Wave, Reyes is eager to wear a shoe associated with one of the players he admired while growing up: NBA champion Kyrie Irving, whose signature line is carried by ANTA.

“Yung Kyrie, kasi bata palang ako, I look up at Kyrie na. Malaking bagay na masusuot ko sapatos niya,” Reyes said.

The partnership arrives at significant stages of their respective careers. Both players are attempting to establish themselves as regular contributors for an NU team preparing to enter a new era in UAAP men’s basketball.

Miranda, the son of former PBA guard and current NU assistant coach Denok Miranda, built his reputation as a creative playmaker in the high-school ranks. He helped FEU-Diliman win the UAAP Season 85 boys’ basketball championship.

The 5-foot-11 guard averaged 10.6 points, 4.8 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals during UAAP Season 86 with FEU-Diliman.

Miranda initially committed to FEU’s senior program but eventually moved to NU in May 2025. Although he has yet to secure a major role in the Bulldogs’ UAAP rotation, he has remained active throughout the offseason and strengthened his case for playing time.

Reyes, meanwhile, arrived at NU as one of the most accomplished players from his high-school class.

The versatile forward helped Adamson capture the UAAP Season 86 boys’ championship, ending the school’s 31-year title drought. He averaged 12.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals during the championship campaign and was ranked among the country’s leading under-19 prospects.

Reyes also earned a place on the 2024 NBTC Division I Mythical Five after helping Adamson reach the tournament final. His combination of strength, rebounding and defensive versatility made him an intriguing addition to the Bulldogs alongside former Baby Falcons teammate Tebol Garcia.

His transition to the collegiate level, however, was interrupted by back injury that kept him sidelined for more than a year. Reyes was eventually able to make his collegiate UAAP debut during the Season 88 men’s 3×3 tournament, where he helped NU secure a bronze medal.

Miranda and Reyes had already been visible in ANTA-backed basketball events before completing their agreements. Reyes participated in the ANTA KAI 3×3 tournament in February, while both players competed during the NSAC Campus Tour supported by the brand.

Their additions further strengthen ANTA’s presence in Philippine collegiate basketball. The company has supported school programs and young athletes through the ANTA Varsity Project while organizing and sponsoring tournaments, open runs, and other grassroots initiatives.

The signings also come in the middle of an extensive offseason program for NU. The Bulldogs recently returned from a training trip to Xiamen, China, and are scheduled to travel to South Korea, where they will continue preparing through training sessions and tune-up games against Korean Basketball League clubs.

NU is transitioning from a team previously led by veterans such as Jake Figueroa, Jolo Manansala, and Steve Nash Enriquez. Their departures have created opportunities for Miranda, Reyes and the rest of the Bulldogs’ younger group to assume larger responsibilities.

Head coach Jeff Napa, however, is keeping expectations surrounding his team measured ahead of the new season.

“Under the radar kami. Mas gusto ko tahimik. Hindi namin kailagan mag ingay at showmanship,” Napa said. “We’ll see pag dating ng UAAP, pero definitely alam nila gaano kahirap yung papasukin namin.”