Mark “Pomelo Ball” Esperanza Transfers to Letran
Mark “Pomelo Ball” Esperanza has transferred to Colegio de San Juan de Letran after previously committing to Ateneo de Manila University, marking a new direction for the former Adamson Baby Falcon.
The move comes months after the 5-foot-11 guard committed to Ateneo in March 2026, initially setting his sights on joining the Blue Eagles for UAAP Season 90.
According to a source, Esperanza will suit up for Letran’s Team B during the ongoing NCAA Season 102 campaign, joining Devin Fikes and Mark Belmonte, who are also undergoing residency with the Knights. The trio is expected to become eligible for the seniors team in Season 103 after completing their residency.
Esperanza built his reputation in the UAAP juniors division with Adamson, helping the Baby Falcons capture the Season 86 boys’ basketball championship in 2024. He was named Finals MVP after averaging 9.3 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in the title series, as Adamson ended its 31-year championship drought.
He followed that campaign with another strong showing in UAAP Season 87, earning a place in the Elite Team after averaging 16.64 points, 5.79 assists, and 4.93 rebounds per game. His performances further established him as one of the notable young guards in the high school ranks.
The guard later moved to San Sebastian College-Recoletos for NCAA Season 101, where he continued to put up impressive numbers with the Staglets. He averaged 20.25 points, 5.17 rebounds, 4.58 assists, and two steals per game during his stint with the team.
Esperanza also gained international experience as part of Gilas Pilipinas Boys in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in 2024. He averaged 13 points and 5.3 assists in four games, ranking third in the tournament in assists per game.
With experience in both the UAAP and NCAA juniors divisions, along with his stint with the national youth team, Esperanza brings an accomplished high school résumé to his new program.
He is expected to make his first appearance for Letran Team B on Sunday, November 8, when the Knights face the Mapúa Cardinals.
