DLSU’s Mur Alao, Mapua high school standouts join UE Red Warriors

Former San Beda Red Cub and DLSU Green Archer Prince Mur Alao has taken his talents to Recto where he will join the UE Red Warriors, head coach Jack Santiago confirmed to All-Star Magazine on Wednesday, April 24.

Alao, a product of the Phenom Championship Clinic developmental program, initially committed to DLSU in 2022 but only saw action for the team in preseason leagues like Pinoyliga, D-League, and Filoil, plus other exhibition games.

Alao did not make the line-up for La Salle in UAAP Seasons 85 and 86. The uncertainty of his status for Season 87 – despite an opening in the point guard position following the departure of Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy – led to his decision.

He will now test his luck at UE, where Santiago continues to re-stock his talent pool following key losses, including MVP runner-up Rey Remogat’s departure for University of the Philippines.

The 6-foot-2, wide-shouldered Alao had his first practice as a Red Warrior on Wednesday. He will do one year of residency in 2024 before making his UE debut in Season 88.

Alao also previously played for the Gilas youth national team in the FIBA Asia U17 tournament held in Iran in 2022.

Santiago also confirmed the commitments of Mapua high school standouts Nico Mulingtapang, Ronjie Go, and Aki Valina.

The trio are eligible by UAAP Season 87.

Mulingtapang is a promising guard with noteworthy scoring prowess at 6-feet tall. Go, a 6-foot-6 big man, will stock up the Red Warriors’ supply of developing big men. Valina is a burly 6-foot-1 forward who can slash to the rim.

Santiago is hopeful UE can make a run to the Final Four in Season 87 after finishing in sixth place last year.