FEU’s Gilas boys hope to continue winning ways in NBA regional tilt

JB Cagurungan daps up his Gilas Pilipinas teammates during a game in the Filoil Preseason Cup.–Photo from Filoil

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas Youth members JB Cagurungan and Prince Cariño aren’t done representing the Philippines just yet.

Fresh off winning gold in the Fiba U18 Asia Cup Seaba Qualifiers, the duo from FEU-Diliman will carry the country’s flag anew, this time in the 2026 NBA Rising Star Invitationals in Singapore.

Cagurungan said the experience in the Fiba qualifiers will help him in competing against other international schools.

READ: FEU Baby Tams ready to test mettle in NBA Rising Stars Invitationals

“The Seaba qualifiers have a huge effect [on me] because I got an experience to play overseas,” said Cagurungan.

“Going to the NBA games, there are some nerves, but I’m excited, and I’m looking forward to playing and representing FEU and the Philippines.”

FEU-Diliman will compete with 11 other teams from the Asia-Pacific region in the second annual NBA high school invitationals.

Aside from winning in the international level with Gilas, Cagurungan and company are also coming off winning the UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball championship.

READ: NBA unveils new Asia Pacific youth basketball tournament

Much like Cagurungan, Cariño is also ready to suit up once more for the country and the Baby Tamaraws.

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity given to us and the whole team. The experience we’ll get here will be a huge thing for our team,” he said.

“My fatigue level is fine. I just maximize my rest and manage my time. I don’t let myself go. I make sure I have proper recovery and sleep.”

FEU-Diliman begins its invitationals campaign on Tuesday when it takes on Singapore’s Hwa Chong Institution at OCBC Arena.