UST’s Kirk Canete Officially Joins Serious Player Only Fam

UST guard Kirk Canete has signed a sneaker deal with Serious Player Only. The 5-foot-9 guard joined the Growling Tigers as one of the country’s top high school recruits. 

From Red Cub to Growling Tiger

Canete played for four years in the junior ranks, spending two years each at San Beda and UST. During his time as a Red Cub, the Malaybalay, Bukidnon guard showed flashes of his potential, earning him a selection in the 2024 SLAM Rising Stars. 

He then took his talents to UST, where he reunited with his teammates, coach, and manager, who brought him to Manila. Canete eventually became the squad’s captain ball in seasons 87 and 88. The Tiger Cubs’ primary orchestrator also made vital contributions to their championship run in Season 87. 

To cap off his junior stint, Canete piled up averages of 9.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 7.2 assists (Ranked No. 3), and 1.9 steals (Ranked No. 5) per contest, earning him a spot on the UAAP Season 88 Boys Mythical Team and ranking No. 8 in the 2026 NBTC’s Top 24 prospects. They unfortunately fell short in defending their UAAP crown, but they were able to stand out during the 2026 NBTC National Finals with a Division 1 runner-up finish against Fil-Am Nation Select.

The 20-year-old stayed in España upon entering the collegiate ranks, giving UST another option in its guard rotation following the departures of Nic Cabanero, Forth Padrigao, and Kyle Paranada. He also took part in capturing some preseason titles, including the NSAC College Campus Tour and the Pinoyliga Big Dance. 

With this acquisition, the lion-turned-tiger will joins fellow Tomasian Mur Alao, former high school colleague and now JRU star forward Chris Hubilla, and UP’s LA Andres in strengthening the brand’s collegiate roster.

Why Canete Chose Serious Player Only

The UST guard confirmed that PUMA and Skechers were also tendering him an offer but Canete preferred Serious Player Only instead. He also shared his reasons why he chose that brand and how he is beyond grateful for receiving this tender offer. 

“After pandemic parang naging kilala yung Serious Player and natry ko siya before sa teammate ko and sobrang nagandahan ako pero walang chance na makabili, kaya ngayon nung nagkaroon ng offer sa SPO, grinab ko na talaga”

Canete added: 

“Masarap sa feeling kasi simula nung naging kilala siya sa Philippines, parang gusto kong magkaroon (ng pair), pero walang chance na magkaroon ako or kahit bumili lang, wala akong chance na magkaroon, and ito ako ngayon, nakapirma na, kaya sobrang sarap sa feeling.”

Finding His Fit in the Player 1.5 Plus

According to him, the Player 1.5 Plus is his favorite sneaker to play in due to some of its new impressive performance features. Canete’s go-to-hoop shoe has made various upgrades compared to its predecessor, the Player 1 Plus. The sneaker highlights improved cushioning and responsiveness with the brand-new Explosive 2.0 midsole, along with a reinforced grip lining to keep your foot locked and contained, and a 3D carbon fibre heel counter to precisely stabilize your foot, which is suitable for shifty and agile players like Kirk Canete himself. 

“Yung Player 1.5 yung pinaka-favorite ko. Nagustuhan ko ang SPO Player 1.5 Plus dahil sobrang sakto yung fit niya sa paa ko, sobrang gaan gamitin and sobrang nagustuhan ko yung itsura niya, parang nagbibigay ng lowkey pero sobrang pogi na shoes”

Mark Ches of Serious Player Only also explained what made Canete a fit for the brand:

“Actually, Kirk really embodies our brand a lot; he’s very energetic, he’s a team player, then serves a good character and is very willing to sacrifice”

Serious Players Only continues to push their limits in their basketball sneaker line by unveiling silhouettes that meet today’s standards and signing players that match the shoe’s performance and innovation. 

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