6-foot-5 Nhejad Pino commits to CSB Blazers

Filipino big man Nhejad Pino has committed to the College of Saint Benilde, giving the Blazers another young frontcourt prospect with long-term upside for their NCAA program.

The commitment was confirmed by Pino’s manager, Anthony Brodett of Phenom Sports Management. Pino, who is 17 years old and stands 6-foot-5 barefoot, will join CSB with five years of playing eligibility, giving the Blazers time to develop him within their system while also adding size to their future roster.

Pino has built his name at the grassroots and high school level, where he has been associated with Panaon National High School and Team Parola Panaon in Misamis Occidental.

He has appeared in local and regional competition, including events connected to the NBTC circuit and school-based tournaments in Northern Mindanao. His size has been one of the first things to stand out.

At 6-foot-5, Pino brings natural length to the frontcourt and has been featured in online highlights as a rebounder, shot blocker, and interior finisher. He has also gained attention through social media clips from Team Parola Panaon, where he was often identified as one of the team’s notable young players.

For CSB, the commitment adds another developmental piece to a program that has remained active in strengthening its pipeline. Pino is still early in his basketball growth, but his age, frame, and full eligibility window give the Blazers a player they can bring along gradually.

Pino’s move to CSB also represents another step for a player coming from the provincial basketball scene.

From Panaon, Misamis Occidental, he now gets the chance to test himself in one of the country’s top collegiate leagues and continue his development under a more competitive program.

While he is not yet a finished product, Pino gives CSB a young big man with room to grow and a long runway ahead of him. His commitment is a future-focused addition for the Blazers, one that could become more significant as he adjusts to the college game and develops within the NCAA environment.