Cagulangan-Like Thirdy Masiba Commits to Ateneo de Davao

Cagayan de Oro guard Thirdy Masiba has committed to join Ateneo de Davao for the next stage of his high school basketball career, according to sports manager Anthony Brodett of Phenom Sports Management.

The move gives Masiba a new platform as he continues his development from a promising young guard out of the Xavier Ateneo basketball pipeline into a player who will now be part of one of Mindanao’s more competitive high school programs.

Brodett, who has worked with several top high school and college prospects in the country through Phenom Sports Management, sees clear upside in Masiba’s game.

“He’s similar to a young JD Cagulangan. Very high IQ, very quick. There’s a lot of things to work on, but the potential is there. He’s very smart and skilled. He’s a pass-first guard,” Brodett said.

Masiba has been described in local basketball circles as one of the rising young guards from the area, with his game built around pace, decision-making, and playmaking.

His commitment to Ateneo de Davao is a notable next step because of the program he is joining. 

Ateneo de Davao has also been tied to Davao Region’s recent success in secondary boys basketball, including a strong run at the Palarong Pambansa level and international school basketball exposure through Team Pilipinas-Davao.

Masiba, who hails from the program of Coach Teddy San Jose in CDO’s Lion’s Den program, is also excited to learn under the tutelage and guidance of Coach Jess Evangelio, in addition to Brodett.

For Masiba, the move places him in an environment where he can continue to sharpen the parts of his game that already stand out while also addressing the areas Brodett believes still need work. 

As a pass-first guard, his development will likely depend on how he adjusts to stronger competition, more structured systems, and a bigger role against older and more physical players.

The JD Cagulangan comparison gives a glimpse of what people around Masiba see in him: a smaller guard whose value is not simply in scoring, but in feel, speed, leadership, and the ability to organize a team. 

With Ateneo de Davao, Masiba will now have a chance to prove that the early attention around him can translate into growth, production, and a clearer place among the country’s next wave of high school guards.