Rhyle Melencio Bids Farewell to DLSU, Joins JRU
This is an updated version of our report on Rhyle Melencio’s decision to leave DLSU for JRU.
Former blue-chip recruit Rhyle Melencio has parted ways with De La Salle University after bidding farewell to his Green Archers teammates, coaches, and team managers on July 13. He is now set to join the JRU Heavy Bombers in the NCAA.
Melencio joined La Salle in 2023 after an impressive high school career with DLSZ, but missed his first two collegiate seasons after suffering ACL injuries to both knees. He finally made his UAAP debut in Season 88 and was part of the Green Archers’ championship team, playing a supporting bench role.
Melencio, who sources say was contemplating this decision for the last week, has four years of eligibility as a Heavy Bomber beginning Season 103 after doing residency in 2026.
An Emotional Goodbye for Melencio
According to a source who spoke to this writer under the condition of anonymity, Melencio’s good-bye to his La Salle teammates, managers, and coaches was an “emotional and touching moment” at the Enrique Razon Sport Complex on Monday.
Melencio, who was called a “qualified and faithful son of La Salle,” owns Japanes citizenship, which means he could ultimately play in the Japan B. League as a local rather than the typical Asian import route followed by Filipino basketball players.
The 6-foot-3 wingman wants to eventually play as a local in the Land of the Rising Sun – where he can reunite with his mother – and felt he needed more playing time and on-court opportunities to prove his worth.
At JRU, the son of former San Beda and UST varsity player Richie Melencio will get his opportunity. While he does his residency, he will also get the chance to train and practice with the MPBL reigning champion Abra Weavers, whose ownership group also patrons the JRU men’s basketball program.
In the last handful of years, La Salle’s basketball program has made it a point to bring homegrown talents such as Jacob Cortez, Luis Pablo, Kean Baclaan, and Seven Gagate back home.
Part of that effort also includes giving opportunities to their high school talents from La Salle Greenhills and De La Salle Zobel while aiding in the development of the CSB men’s basketball team in the NCAA, too.
LSGH head coach and former Green Archer great Renren Ritualo plus DLSZ head tactician Gian Nazario are part of DLSU’s coaching staff in the UAAP men’s basketball scene.
The influx of talent in the pool from homegrown student-athletes, not to mention the arrival of other key recruits such as Janti Miller, Joaquin Tovera, and Jason Cibull, has led to sparse playing time for other players in team, which factored in Melencio’s decision to leave, and could lead to further departures.
But in Melencio’s case, he leaves DLSU in great terms and will be missed by many around the team who will always consider him family,
