Adamson’s Mantua Bows Out of UAAP, Eyes Pro Career
Royce Mantua, the 6-foot-4 Filipino-Australian swingman who once looked poised to lead the Adamson Falcons into a new era, is turning the page. After a breakout season in UAAP Season 87 and a buzzer-beating highlight in the U-Belt Cup, Mantua has announced he will not be returning to Adamson University and will instead pursue a professional basketball career.
“I’m back in Australia for a short break and possibly a tryout with an NBL1 team,” Mantua said. “I’ll definitely be heading back to Manila once PRO League training starts — whether that’s with the PBA or MPBL. Just taking some time to decide with my parents on the best fit and direction for me.”
Sources close to the situation indicate that Mantua would have been ineligible for UAAP Season 88 due to academic reasons. When asked about this, he chose not to confirm or deny the reports, focusing instead on his professional aspirations. “Yeah, I won’t come back to Adamson and I’m choosing to go pro instead,” he said plainly.
Mantua’s decision marks the end of a rollercoaster collegiate career that began at UST, where he played two seasons with limited minutes. He transferred to Adamson in 2023 seeking a fresh start, and he made the most of it. Coming off the bench, he emerged as one of the Falcons’ most efficient scorers, notching 14 points in just 19 minutes in their Final Four loss to La Salle. His performances often came in high-pressure moments, including an 11-point game against his former team, UST.
His departure leaves a noticeable gap in Adamson’s rotation. Mantua had finally found his stride with the Falcons, and many expected him to step into a leadership role this season. Instead, he’ll be exploring opportunities with NBL1 teams in Australia and preparing for potential stints in either the PBA or MPBL, the two primary pro leagues in the Philippines.
Born in 2002 and raised between Australia and the Philippines, Mantua has long been seen as a high-upside player. He was part of the Batang Gilas youth pool and played a key role in UST’s 3×3 UAAP gold medal run in 2022.
For now, Mantua is weighing his next move with his family. Whether it’s in the NBL1, the PBA, or the MPBL, the next time fans see him on the court, it will be as a professional. The collegiate chapter is closed.
