Jhuniel Dela Rama Joins San Beda After Leaving San Sebastián

Jhuniel Dela Rama is set to continue his collegiate basketball journey with the San Beda Red Lions, confirming a move that places him in residency for 2026 before suiting up in NCAA Season 103 in 2027.

The highly regarded young standout will have three years of eligibility remaining once he becomes eligible to play.

Dela Rama’s transfer comes after a strong rookie season with San Sebastian, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the most productive newcomers in the NCAA. He emerged as a consistent scorer and one of the league’s best young prospects, earning weekly honors and delivering clutch performances that drew attention from across the collegiate basketball community. He was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year and was included in the Mythical Five.

By the end of the season, his future had become a frequent topic of discussion, with reports noting that he was carefully weighing his next step.

That next step has now led him to San Beda, a program known for its championship culture and long track record of developing players for the professional ranks. For Dela Rama, the decision was rooted not only in basketball considerations, but also in long-term growth and family support.

“I just want to improve more and have a better future. Na inspired din ako mag San Beda kasi nakita ko na matutulungan po ako nila kagaya nang pag alaga nila kay kuya Robert Bolick na mas nakilala pa niya yung sarili niya sa San Beda. At ang pag lipat ko, hindi lang ako nag desesyon nito. Napag decision din po namin ito nang pamilya ko,” Dela Rama said.

Sources say the CSB Blazers were also interested to recruit Dela Rama.

A major influence behind the move is Robert Bolick, a San Beda legend and current PBA star who, like Dela Rama, hails from Ormoc. Bolick has taken on a mentorship role in recent months, offering guidance shaped by his own journey, which included multiple championships with San Beda and a successful transition to the professional game.

Within the Red Lions program, Bolick evolved from a talented guard into a nationally recognized leader, a path Dela Rama hopes to follow.

The connection to Ormoc adds another layer of meaning to the transfer. Much like Bolick before him, Dela Rama carries the pride of his hometown as he steps onto a bigger stage, aiming to prove that players from outside traditional basketball hotbeds can thrive at the highest collegiate level.

For more college basketball news, view here.