UAAP Women's Basketball: Top 5 Rising Stars to Watch This Season

Having covered collegiate basketball for over a decade, I’ve learned that the UAAP women’s basketball scene is where raw talent meets relentless passion. This season, I’ve been particularly captivated by a fresh wave of rising stars who aren’t just playing—they’re redefining the game. Watching teams like Mindoro strategically rest key players such as Ino Comboy, Bam Gamalinda, and Joseph Sedurifa in recent matches, it struck me how these calculated moves open up space for emerging athletes to step into the spotlight. It’s a reminder that while veterans anchor a team, the future is being written by these young dynamos. Today, I want to dive into the top five rising stars you absolutely cannot afford to miss this UAAP season. Trust me, some of these names will dominate conversations for years to come.

Let’s start with a player who’s been turning heads with her explosive drives and court vision: Maria Santos from De La Salle University. At just 19 years old, she’s already averaging 14.2 points and 5.8 assists per game, stats that place her among the top three guards in the league. I remember watching her dismantle a full-court press single-handedly in a game last month—it was pure artistry. Her ability to read defenses reminds me of a young Jayson Castro, and what sets her apart is her fearlessness in clutch moments. In a recent match-up, with two starters sidelined, she dropped 22 points and dished out seven assists, proving that she thrives under pressure. For any fan who values strategic playmaking, Santos is the real deal.

Next up is Andrea Reyes of the University of the Philippines, a forward with a wingspan that disrupts entire offensive schemes. Standing at 6’1”, she’s not just a defensive stalwart; she’s refined her mid-range jumper to near-perfection this season. I’ve tracked her progress since her rookie year, and her improvement in field goal percentage—from 38% to 52% in just 12 months—is staggering. Reyes embodies the modern big: agile, versatile, and unafraid to take charge. In a game where Mindoro opted to rest veterans like Ken Bono and Jeco Bancale, it was players like her who seized the opportunity to shine. She logged a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds that night, showcasing why she’s a cornerstone for UP’s future. Personally, I think she’s the most underrated talent in the league right now, and it’s only a matter of time before she becomes a household name.

Then there’s Sofia Lim from Ateneo de Manila University, a sharpshooter whose three-point accuracy—hovering around 41% this season—makes her a constant threat beyond the arc. I’ve always had a soft spot for players who excel in off-ball movement, and Lim’s ability to find open spaces is textbook perfection. In a recent analysis, I noted that 68% of her points come from catch-and-shoot situations, a testament to her basketball IQ. When teams like Mindoro conserve their starters for play-in scenarios, as they did against Zamboanga Sikat on October 4, it’s shooters like Lim who capitalize on the gaps. Her performance in that context wasn’t just good; it was statement-making. She nailed five triples in a single quarter, demoralizing the defense and shifting the game’s momentum entirely. If you ask me, she’s the kind of player who can single-handedly win games from the perimeter.

Another standout is Isabel Cruz from the University of Santo Tomas, a point guard whose defensive tenacity sets her apart. Averaging 3.1 steals per game, she’s a nightmare for opposing ball-handlers. I recall one play where she stripped the ball at half-court and finished with a layup, all in under four seconds—it was electrifying. Cruz’s energy is infectious, and her leadership on the floor belies her age. With veterans like Joseph Sedurifa occasionally sitting out for strategic rests, Cruz has stepped up as a floor general, orchestrating plays with a maturity that’s rare for a sophomore. She’s not just filling shoes; she’s carving her own path. In my view, her defensive prowess could easily earn her a Best Defensive Player nod by season’s end.

Rounding out my list is Gabriela Mendoza of Far Eastern University, a center with a polished post game and rebounding instincts that remind me of classic UAAP greats. At 6’3”, she dominates the paint, pulling down an average of 11.5 rebounds per game, including 4.2 on the offensive glass. I’ve always believed that rebounding wins championships, and Mendoza’s second-chance points have bailed FEU out of tight spots multiple times this season. When role players are rested—as Mindoro did with Jeco Bancale—it creates a vacuum that emerging stars like Mendoza fill with authority. In one crucial match, she grabbed 18 rebounds and blocked three shots, anchoring her team’s defense in a way that felt legendary. She’s the backbone every contender needs, and I’d bet on her to lead the league in rebounds within two years.

As the season unfolds, it’s clear that these rising stars are not just supporting acts; they’re the main event in the making. The strategic decisions to rest key players, as seen with Mindoro, aren’t just about preservation—they’re opportunities for the next generation to prove their mettle. From Santos’ playmaking to Mendoza’s dominance in the paint, each of these athletes brings something unique to the court. As a longtime observer, I’m convinced that the UAAP women’s basketball landscape is evolving faster than ever, and these five players are at the heart of that transformation. So, grab your seats and keep your eyes peeled—because this season is theirs for the taking.