“Nothing to Something”: Why Koji Buenaflor Stayed at UST

After helping end a 24-year title drought for the UST Tiger Cubs, 6-foot-6 forward Koji Buenaflor had options. Big ones. Ateneo, La Salle, UP, and several NCAA teams were all vying for the rising star’s commitment. But in the end, he chose to stay where it all started: University of Santo Tomas.

“For me, I chose this school because UST made me grow from nothing to something,” Buenaflor said in an exclusive interview with me.

That phrase — “nothing to something” — is more than a soundbite. It’s his story. Buenaflor came from a public school background with no competitive basketball experience before being recruited to UST’s high school program. At the time, he doubted whether he’d even have a shot at college ball.

“Before I went to UST for high school, I didn’t know if things would work out. I was just a tall kid… even I doubted myself,” he said.

In UAAP Season 87, Buenaflor was instrumental in UST’s championship run, averaging 11.38 points, 7.92 rebounds, and nearly a block per game. His growth caught the attention of top programs across the country.

“Actually marami po talagang school ang nag show ng interest sakin,” he shared. “Big 4 schools and some in NCAA… and I’m truly grateful. It still feels surreal to me.”

But the decision wasn’t about hype or status. It was about loyalty and belief.

“I took a lot of time to decide,” he said. “But still, my heart belongs to UST.”

Koji also revealed he made sure to time the announcement of his commitment to coincide with Tiger Cubs head coach Manu Inigo’s birthday, as a way of paying tribute to someone he considers instrumental in his journey.

“Coach Manu is actually one of the people that put me in a position where I am today,” he said. “Making sure na I always push myself to my limit. Kaya sobrang thankful po ako sakanya.”

Now part of the UST Growling Tigers roster for Season 88, Buenaflor is entering a rebuilding program under head coach Pido Jarencio. Though the expectations are high, he’s keeping his mindset steady.

“Coming off as a rookie, I don’t want to put much pressure on myself,” he said. “But I’m willing to do whatever it takes to contribute my talent to the team.”

Joining the senior squad with fellow Tiger Cubs standouts Carl Manding and Charles Bucsit, Buenaflor isn’t walking into unfamiliar territory. He’s already been welcomed by some of the team’s key players.

“Even before the announcement, I was already talking and joking around with some of the seniors,” he said. “It actually made me feel welcome. Now, we’re all excited to share the court together.”

That sense of family was evident after Buenaflor’s decision became public. UST seniors Nic Cabañero, Forthsky Padrigao, and Mark Llemit all shared my post about the commitment, expressing their excitement across social media.

From overlooked to sought-after, Koji Buenaflor’s story is a reminder of what belief, hard work, and the right system can do for a young player. And for UST, it’s a win that one of their own chose to stay home.