Discover the Complete DLSU Basketball Roster and Key Players for the Upcoming Season

As a longtime follower of collegiate basketball in the Philippines, and someone who has spent years analyzing team compositions and player development pathways, I find the annual unveiling of the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers roster to be one of the most exciting moments of the preseason. It’s more than just a list of names; it’s a statement of intent, a puzzle of potential waiting to be solved on the hardcourt. This year, as we look ahead, the roster presents a fascinating blend of seasoned veterans, promising homegrown talent, and a key addition whose professional journey adds a layer of gritty experience that could be the x-factor. Let’s dive into the complete picture and spotlight the individuals who will define DLSU’s campaign.

The core of any great UAAP team is its continuity, and La Salle has managed to retain a significant portion of its engine from last season. The backcourt, in my opinion, remains their strongest asset. The lightning-quick guard play, spearheaded by veterans like Evan Nelle, provides the offensive tempo and perimeter defense that modern basketball demands. Nelle’s court vision and improved shooting range make him the unequivocal floor general; the offense simply flows differently when he’s in control. Alongside him, the scoring punch from players like Mark Nonoy offers that explosive, change-of-pace energy off the bench that can swing momentum in a three-minute span. What often gets overlooked, however, is the interior presence. Kevin Quiambao’s development is crucial. After a strong showing last season, his ability to stretch the floor as a big while holding his own in the paint will be paramount. I’ve always believed a versatile big man is worth his weight in gold in the UAAP, and Quiambao has all the tools to be that anchor.

Now, to the most intriguing narrative of this offseason: the arrival of Juan Gomez de Liaño. This isn’t just another recruit; this is a homecoming of a player forged in international fires. Having followed his career closely, his path is unlike most. As he recently reflected, “I feel truly grateful to be in this position right now,” after stints in Japan’s B.League, Lithuania, and Korea. That gratitude, I suspect, is paired with a hardened resolve. At 24 years old, he brings a level of physical maturity and professional polish that is rare in the collegiate game. While his younger brother Javi made waves earlier, Juan’s journey through the rigorous systems abroad—facing grown men in Lithuania’s physical league, adapting to Korea’s pace—has prepared him for the pressure-cooker environment of the UAAP. He’s not a raw talent; he’s a seasoned weapon. I see him slotting in immediately as a primary or secondary scoring option, a swingman who can create his own shot, defend multiple positions, and, most importantly, provide late-game poise. In a league where close games are decided by two or three possessions, having a guy who’s played in professional, high-stakes environments is an immeasurable advantage. My prediction? He’ll average around 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, but his real value will be in the intangibles.

Of course, a roster is more than its stars. The depth chart reveals some interesting prospects. The development of their role players—the defensive specialists, the energy guys off the bench, the spot-up shooters—will determine their ceiling. Teams that win championships, like the Ateneo squads of recent memory, often have a seventh or eighth man who can come in and decisively impact a quarter. La Salle needs to identify that player. From what I’ve seen in preseason tournaments, there are a couple of young guns showing flashes, but consistency is the key. Furthermore, the coaching staff, led by Topex Robinson, has a specific task: integrating Gomez de Liaño’s unique skill set without disrupting the existing chemistry. It’s a good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless. The offensive sets will need to be more dynamic, and the defensive schemes can afford to be more aggressive with his versatility on the wing.

Looking at the landscape, the UAAP is as competitive as ever. Rival teams have also reloaded. Ateneo remains a disciplined powerhouse, UP has its own cadre of stars, and NU is always a tough out. For DLSU to lift the trophy, they’ll need more than just talent on paper. They’ll need health, luck, and that elusive team synergy that turns a group of good players into a great team. The pieces are undoubtedly there. The veteran backcourt provides stability, the frontcourt has growing promise, and the addition of a battle-tested pro in Juan Gomez de Liaño gives them a different caliber of closer. Personally, I’m bullish on their chances. I’ve always favored teams that blend youth with a dash of hardened experience, and this DLSU roster fits that bill perfectly. The journey through Japan, Lithuania, and Korea wasn’t just a detour for Gomez de Liaño; it was an apprenticeship for this very moment. As the new season tips off, all eyes will be on how this complete and compelling roster translates its undeniable potential into wins, aiming to bring the championship back to Taft Avenue.