UST Standouts Sign Deals with PUMA Philippines

PUMA Philippines has signed UST Growling Tigers Ice Danting, Michael Mara, and Amiel Acido to apparel deals, further strengthening the brand’s presence in the Philippine college basketball scene.

Danting and Mara each signed two-year deals with PUMA, marking their second contracts with the brand. The two were previously announced as PUMA athletes in 2025, with their deals then confirmed by Anthony Brodett of Phenom Sports Management, who manages both players.

Acido, meanwhile, signed a one-year deal as a first-time PUMA athlete.

The development gives PUMA another strong UST connection, this time across three players who represent different points of the Growling Tigers’ current build.

Danting has been one of the team’s promising guards, known for his shooting and aggressiveness. He recently had 12 points and five rebounds for UST in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup against NU, where he exchanged early triples and helped keep the Tigers within range during stretches of the game.

Mara, a 6-foot-5 forward, transferred to UST from College of St. Benilde in 2024 after one season with the Blazers. At the time, he said the move was about finding better opportunities for his growth as a player. He has since continued his development with the Growling Tigers, with his size and versatility giving UST another frontcourt option.

Acido brings the most recent on-court buzz among the three. A former NCAA juniors MVP from Perpetual, the 6-foot-3 wing joined UST after a standout high school career where he averaged 17.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals in his final juniors season.

He recently delivered one of his biggest performances as a Growling Tiger, scoring 33 points to lead UST past La Salle, 115-107, in overtime and into the Asiabasket NSAC College Basketball Tour championship game.

For PUMA, the signings continue the brand’s push into the college basketball space by backing young players who are still growing their profiles.