NUNS to Represent PH in Singapore NBA Rising Stars Invitational
Photos: NBA
National University Nazareth School (NUNS) is set to represent the Philippines on an international stage after both its boys’ and girls’ basketball teams clinched victories at the NBA Rising Stars Invitational Philippines Qualifiers, held Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Bullpups dominated La Salle College Antipolo (LSCA) in the girls’ finals, while the Bullpups overpowered University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the boys’ title match. With these wins, NUNS will compete in the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore this June 25–29, joining teams from 11 countries and territories across the Asia-Pacific.
Lady Bullpups Run Riot, Win by 58
The girls’ final saw the Lady Bullpups assert control early with a 5–0 burst, but LSCA’s Rhaynha Roflo and Krizzy Eustaquio kept it close at 9–9. That was as tight as it got. NUNS responded with a 22–0 run and never looked back, finishing with a commanding 107–49 win. Zuzzane Singson anchored the blowout with 16 points and 18 rebounds, earning Gatorade Girls MVP honors.
Bullpups Outmuscle UST for Boys’ Crown
In the boys’ division, NUNS pulled away early behind the inside dominance of Moussa Diakite, building a 19-point halftime lead en route to a 101–75 win over UST. MVP Shaun Lucido and Rob Celiz combined for 49 points to fend off a 26-point effort from UST’s Joaquin Ludovice.
We’re very happy since we’re going to a different country. The experience we’ll get by playing in Singapore will be huge,” said Lucido.
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Singapore Stage Up Next
Both NUNS squads will now head to Singapore for the NBA’s first regional high school basketball tournament, which will include on-court competition and entertainment events as part of a multiday festival.
NUNS boys’ coach Kevin de Castro called it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
“Representing the school internationally is a dream come true,” he said.
Lady Bullpups coach Camilla Escoto also emphasized the tournament’s impact: “This is a great first step for girls’ basketball. There aren’t many tournaments like this, so we’re very thankful to the NBA.”
Beyond the Court
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan was on hand to interact with fans and joined the broadcast during the boys’ final. P-pop star FELIP energized the crowd with live performances of his songs “ROCKSTA” and “envy.”
The day also featured an NBA Cares clinic led by NBA Asia’s Natalia Andre, hosting 40 children from Childhope Philippines for drills and games.
Partners and Coverage
Gatorade presented the qualifiers and named both MVPs, with support from Energen Champion, vivo, and broadcaster Cignal, which aired the finals on One Sports, NBA TV Philippines, and Pilipinas Live.
With their convincing wins, the NUNS Bullpups and Lady Bullpups now aim to showcase Philippine high school basketball talent on an international platform.
