San Beda adds firepower, recruits 6-foot-8 prospect Xavier Gentles
The recruitment wars in the NCAA continue and the defending champions aren’t lagging behind.
San Beda has successfully recruited 6-foot-8 Filipino-Jamaican prospect Xavier Gentles, Red Lions head coach Yuri Escueta confirmed to ALL-STAR Magazine.
The Canada-born big man is straight out of high school but will sit out the upcoming 100th season of the NCAA as he continues to develop in time for his debut in 2025.
“His strength, height, and willingness to learn,” the NCAA champion head coach said about what made Gentles an appealing recruit. “He is learning our system and getting used to the pace that is played in the Philippines.”
Escueta added that Gentles has been working out with multi-titled coach Norman Black every day since he arrived in the Philippines.
Gentles has already been enrolled at San Beda University. He last played high school basketball in Canada for Orangeville Prep.
He also suited up for champion team Fil-Canada Nation in the NBTC last March. Although he scarcely played, his potential was enough to entice team manager Jude Roque.
“I saw Xavier in the Manila Live games of the NBTC. He was playing under the Fil-Can Nation team of Coach Rey Montaniel. He didn’t play much but it was clear to me that he has great potential, based on the few times that I saw him play,” Roque told ALL-STAR.
“He can run well and has sound footwork. He’s still very young but looks like he’s eager to learn. Coach Norman Black is happy to work on his skills.”
Roque’s recruitment of what could potentially be a game-changing recruit started when he visited Gentles’ family in Toronto in July.
“We talked about the possibility of joining our program in SBU. They’ve heard about our program and became interested. After a week, Xavier decided to join our training camp in Irvine under renowned skills coach Jordan Lawley.”
The reigning NCAA champions will begin their repeat bid when Season 100 tips off on September 7. Given the talent they recently added to their roster – including sharpshooter Jimmy Reyes – and offseason training, San Beda has put itself in great position to win another title.
