As the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball Final Four approaches, the NU Bulldogs clinch the top seed for the first time in the Final Four era, rooted in a powerhouse 2019-2020 high school roster that continues to influence top contenders. This group powered the UP Fighting Maroons and La Salle Green Archers to success, both tracing origins to those champion Bullpups. The retrospective highlights how these young players evolved into collegiate stars.
At the close of the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball elimination round, the NU Bulldogs secured the top seed for the first time in the Final Four era, a significant achievement for a perennial contender seeking its first championship in 11 years. Finishing second are the UP Fighting Maroons, the reigning champions on their seventh consecutive Final Four appearance and aiming for a third title in four years after just one since 1986. The La Salle Green Archers, who dominated before UP's recent win, return for redemption in the Season 88 Final Four after falling short in a back-to-back title bid against the Fighting Maroons.
These teams share roots in the 2019-2020 NU Bullpups, regarded as one of the greatest high school talent pools in Philippine basketball history, securing back-to-back championships in Seasons 81 and 82. Head coach Goldwin Monteverde transitioned his success from high school to college, leading UP to titles in Season 84 and 87 across four straight finals appearances. Known for his laid-back demeanor, Monteverde's influence began with the Bullpups in 2019.
Carl Tamayo, a generational prospect, joined UP in 2022, averaging 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds en route to Rookie of the Year honors and breaking a 36-year title drought. He now plays in the KBL and ranks as a rising Gilas Pilipinas star. Kevin Quiambao, entering La Salle in Season 85, earned MVP in his sophomore Season 86 with 16.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.9 steals—the first Filipino MVP since 2015. He guided La Salle to its first title since 2016 and another finals, now thriving in the KBL as a Gilas mainstay.
Steve Nash Enriquez remained loyal to NU, serving as point guard for the Bulldogs under coach Jeff Napa. The trio of Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, and Terrence Fortea has stayed together for seven years from NU high school to UP, preparing for a final shot at gold in Season 88. Other members like Pao Javillonar (Letran NCAA three-peat 2019-2023, now with PBA's Converge FiberXers), Reyland Torres and Janjan Felicilda (from NU to UP), Cyril Gonzales (UP to Mapua NCAA), and Aaron Buensalida and Nat Tulabut (NU to Letran) underscore the Bullpups' exceptional talent across leagues.