Camille Naredo

Joaquin Tovera is the newest recruit of De La Salle University. Handout photo

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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1783931139696057af6bf-9c5d-442d-8c90-21d590dfa679.jfif" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Joaquin Tovera is the newest recruit of De La Salle University. Handout photo"/>Joaquin Tovera is the newest recruit of De La Salle University. Handout photo</div>MANILA -- Joaquin Tovera, the reigning FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers Most Valuable Player, has committed to De La Salle University.The 18-year-old guard had previously committed to the University of the Philippines and played three games for the Fighting Maroons in the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.But he recently reopened his recruitment, and eventually decided to play for Topex Robinson.&quot;Family was the biggest reason behind my decision,&quot; said Tovera. &quot;I&#x27;ve always been closest to the people who have supported me since day one, and knowing I&#x27;ll be in an environment where I can be near them gives me a lot of peace and confidence.&quot;That support system means everything to me, and I believe it will help me become a better player and an even better person.&quot;Tovera has deep connections with the Cortez family, having played alongside Mikey Cortez in Tumakbo Basketball. La Salle legend Mike Cortez is also the cousin of Gregg Rivera, Tovera&#x27;s uncle.In three games for UP, Tovera contributed six points, five assists, and two steals against De La Salle; seven points and three assists versus Far Eastern University; then made his first start against Mapua in the quarterfinals.He also suited up for Gilas Pilipinas Boys in the same tournament, averaging 18.5 points and 7.0 assists per contest.&quot;I&#x27;m really excited to join De La Salle University and become part of such a proud basketball program,&quot; he said. &quot;I&#x27;m looking forward to learning from the coaches, competing with my new teammates, and doing everything I can to help us succeed. I can&#x27;t wait to get to work.&quot;Tovera also expressed his appreciation for UP, thanking them for welcoming him into the program. &quot;I have nothing but gratitude for my time there and wish UP nothing but success moving forward,&quot; he said.

Joaquin Tovera, the reigning FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers Most Valuable Player, has committed to De La Salle University.

Joaquin Tovera, the reigning FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers Most Valuable Player, has committed to De La Salle University.

Joaquin Tovera commits to La Salle after leaving UP

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Joaquin Tovera commits to La Salle after leaving UP

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Published July 13, 2026 04:34 PM PHT

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