The PinoyLiga Next Man Cup 2025 reaffirmed its role as the proving ground for the next wave of Philippine college basketball stars. Designed for Team B players, reserves, and developing recruits from UAAP and NCAA programs, it provides the perfect stage to demonstrate readiness for the collegiate spotlight.
EAC Generals Crowned Champions in an Instant Classic
In one of the most thrilling finals in recent memory, the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals captured the 2025 PinoyLiga Next Man Cup title after outlasting the College of St. Benilde (CSB) Blazers 95–93 in overtime.
Finals MVP EJ Castillo paced EAC with 24 points, while Marvin James Raymundo delivered the game’s most crucial moments—tying the match with 19 seconds left and nailing the go‑ahead jumper in OT.
Despite the loss, CSB’s Ian Torres, Ernest Daja, Raffy Celis, and Shawn Umali demonstrated depth and discipline that kept the Blazers unbeaten until the finals.
Inside the 2025 Tournament
This season gathered 12 teams, blending top NCAA and UAAP programs with independent challengers: EAC, CSB, Lyceum, Mapua, San Beda, San Sebastian, UP (Team B), UE, Ateneo, Adamson, and UST, along with New Era University (NEU) and Enderun Titans.
Final Four and International Guests
- EAC Generals defeated DLSU Green Archers to earn a finals berth.
- CSB Blazers overcame NEU Hunters to reach the championship.
- Guest teams from South Korea’s U‑League—Korea University and Sangmyung University—added global exposure and competitive variety.
Player Development Spotlight
Beyond box scores, the Next Man Cup revealed the next generation’s mindset and growth.
Scouts highlighted EJ Castillo’s composure under pressure and Ian Torres’ emerging leadership, marking both as players ready for Team A elevation in upcoming NCAA Season 101 and UAAP Season 88.
Tournament Director Benny Benitez emphasized that “The Next Man Cup connects potential to performance. Every game here matters to a player’s future.”
Why the Next Man Cup Matters
Since its launch in 2022, the Next Man Cup has established itself as a credible scouting and development platform for collegiate talent.
It provides competitive parity among schools, ensuring that under‑the‑radar athletes also get authentic game exposure and evaluation from coaches and scouts.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Organizers plan to expand the event by hosting regional qualifiers and youth divisions to extend participation beyond Metro Manila.
The initiative aims to reinforce the country’s grassroots‑to‑collegiate pipeline, ensuring more local talents transition smoothly into national visibility.
With the momentum from this year, fans and recruiters are eager to see how these rising stars progress in 2026’s NCAA and UAAP seasons.
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