Romwel Anzures

San Beda University star Jomel Puno against Colegio de San Juan De Letran in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball Finals. Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.

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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1773675422181IMG_5120.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>San Beda University star Jomel Puno against Colegio de San Juan De Letran in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball Finals. Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.MANILA — Another key piece has departed the Red Lions’ den after Jomel Puno announced he is leaving San Beda University.</div>A two-time champion during his stint in the NCAA Philippines from Seasons 99 to 101, the 6-foot-5 forward has opted to forgo his final year of eligibility to pursue other opportunities.“It’s time for me to challenge myself and take the next step by competing in new environments, which will be announced in the future,” the Filipino-Canadian wrote in a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DV2-CQCEYxG/?img_index=1">social media post</a>.Puno is the latest Red Lion to depart following Janti Miller’s move from Mendiola to Taft Avenue, where he transferred to De La Salle University in the UAAP.Despite his exit, Puno expressed nothing but gratitude to head coach Yuri Escueta and the rest of his now-former team, thanking the program for helping him grow into one of the top forwards in the Grand Old League.“During my time here, I’ve learned so much and grown not only as a player, but also as a person,” he said. “From this experience, I grew to love my roots, the people, and of course the culture. The lessons, memories, and relationships I’ve built will stay with me forever and will continue to guide me in the next chapter of my journey.”The 24-year-old will no longer have collegiate playing years left should he transfer to another school in either the NCAA Philippines or the UAAP, as he would already be overage by the time he completes residency.If he remains in the Philippines, the athletic forward could explore opportunities in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, with the next PBA Rookie Draft not scheduled until 2027.

Another key piece has departed the Red Lions’ den after Jomel Puno announced he is leaving San Beda University.

Another key piece has departed the Red Lions’ den after Jomel Puno announced he is leaving San Beda University.

NCAA: Another Red Lion exits as Jomel Puno leaves San Beda

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NCAA: Another Red Lion exits as Jomel Puno leaves San Beda

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 16, 2026 11:50 PM PHT

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Basketball

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NCAA Season 101

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Jomel Puno

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