Ateneo de Manila University lands Mark Esperanza for Season 90

High school standout Mark Esperanza has decided to take his college career to Ateneo de Manila University, confirming his commitment in an exclusive interview.

Explaining his decision, Esperanza said:

“Pinili ko yung Ateneo dahil gusto ko pa po mas may matutunan sakanila as a guard at gusto ko din po ma develop pa po ung sarili ko na marami pa akong kulang.”

He shared that he wants to keep learning and improving his overall game. As a guard, he believes Ateneo’s system can help sharpen his decision-making and discipline on the floor. He also acknowledged that he still has areas to improve and wants to grow in an environment that will challenge him daily.

Esperanza will be joining fellow Ateneo commits Kieffer Alas, Rene Baterbonia, and Jay-M Leal. The group gives Ateneo added depth in the coming years, particularly in the backcourt.

“Excited ako. Sobrang galing ni Kieffer. Palagi ko sya nakakalaban sa UAAP so alam ko kung ano ung kakayanan nya. Sobrang galing at talented so excited ako kung ano kakalabasan pag nagkasabay namin sa loob ng court,” Esperanza shared.

He will have five years of eligibility beginning Season 90 when he officially enters college. Before that, Esperanza will complete his Grade 12 studies in 2026. However, he will not be playing in the UAAP high school division during his final year of senior high school.

“Buong grade 12 po, plano ko is mag aral lang po and then puro ensayo at pakundisyon para pag pasok ng Season 90, maging ready po.”

Esperanza, a talented 5-foot-11 guard, won UAAP Finals MVP in Season 87’s high school tournament as an Adamson Baby Falcon.