Homecoming with Purpose for Nathan Medina

Nathan Medina’s path is starting to draw the kind of attention that typically precedes a major move, and across college basketball circles in both the United States and the Philippines, there is a growing belief that his next decision could shift the balance of power in the UAAP.

Medina, a 6-foot-3 combo guard out of Long Beach, built his reputation at Biola University, where he emerged as one of the most efficient perimeter scorers in the PacWest. He earned First Team All-PacWest honors in 2023–24 after averaging over 16 points per game, then followed it with another strong season before transferring to Chaminade, where he elevated his production further, hovering around 17 to 18 points per game and delivering several headline performances, including a 30-point outing against Texas and a 34-point explosion against Alaska Fairbanks.

Now, Medina is preparing for his next chapter, and according to people familiar with the process, multiple UAAP programs have already expressed strong interest, including Ateneo, De La Salle, UP, FEU, and UE. His recruitment is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as programs position themselves to land one of the most polished one-and-done Fil-Am guards currently available.

In an exclusive conversation, Medina made clear that his decision will go beyond basketball fit alone.

“I’m looking for a spot that is contending for the championship,” Medina said. “I’ve come from spots where we’ve competed for championships, so playing for something meaningful is something I’m looking for in a team.”

That mindset reflects the environment he’s coming from. At both Biola and Chaminade, Medina played within structured systems that emphasized accountability, spacing, and shot creation. With comparisons to Miami Heat all-star Tyler Herro, Medina is regarded as a guard who thrives in motion offenses, capable of stretching defenses with his shooting while also creating off the dribble.

But for Medina, the next step is also personal.

“I’m excited to play ball where my [Filipino] dad and his family are from,” he said. “Family is essential in my life and who I am, so playing where they’re from means a lot to me. I want to represent them and make them proud.”

That connection to the Philippines is a driving force behind his interest in the UAAP, a league known for its intensity, packed arenas, and high-pressure Final Four atmosphere. Medina has studied the league closely.

“From watching the Final 4 games, I can tell that the atmosphere is insane,” he said. “Playing in front of those fans really is what it is all about. Basketball is a game, a performance. I’m looking forward to playing in those high-pressure, big moment games.”

Medina recently signed with Jonathon Mines of RISE Sports Management, a move that signals a more structured approach to navigating opportunities in Philippine basketball. Mines, a former player with deep ties in international basketball circles, has been building RISE as a pipeline between global talent and the rapidly growing UAAP landscape.

RISE has already made an impact. The agency recently facilitated the commitment of Travis Roberts to Ateneo, a move that reinforced its presence in one of the most competitive recruiting ecosystems outside the United States. They also represent national team standout AJ Edu.

“My passion for basketball in the Philippines runs deep,” Mines said. “It’s a country where the game is part of everyday life. The culture, energy, and love for the sport are unmatched.”

At the core of RISE’s strategy is identifying players who can contribute immediately while also representing programs at a high level off the court.

“We target athletes with top-level potential and players who project as future top PBA draft picks,” Mines said. “We start with character and look for great people first. Talent alone isn’t enough. Mindset, work ethic, and attitude matter just as much.”

That philosophy aligns with how Medina has been described throughout his college career. Beyond scoring, he’s built a reputation as a disciplined worker and a coachable guard who values structure.

“I’m looking for a team that plays together, hard and unselfish,” Medina said. “Also, playing in a free-flowing system, where I can learn from a great coaching staff. I love being taught and coached.”

Programs like Ateneo, UP, La Salle, and, recently, FEU have prioritized dynamic systems. Medina fits into all of those archetypes, which is why his recruitment remains wide open.

For Mines and RISE, the goal is not just placement, but impact.

“My role at RISE is to deliver players who can make an immediate difference,” Mines said. “We want our players to add value to Philippine basketball and be part of the continued growth of the country’s number one sport.”

Medina embraces that challenge. He views the UAAP not just as a competitive platform, but as a proving ground.

“I want to come in to prove myself,” he said. “To prove that I am Filipino and that my game is fun to watch.”

As the recruitment process unfolds, one thing is clear: Medina is not simply looking for minutes or a role. He is looking for meaning, pressure, and growth.

A program that lands him will be getting more than a scorer. It will be getting a guard wired for big moments, with a clear sense of purpose and a connection to the stage he’s about to enter.

And in a league where margins are thin and stars often define championship runs, that combination could matter more than anything else.