MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas Boys guard Kyle Sardon has officially committed to De La Salle University, giving the Green Archers another prized addition as they continue to stockpile some of the country’s top young basketball talents ahead of future UAAP campaigns.
The 18-year-old standout from Binalbagan, Negros Occidental chose La Salle over other collegiate options, citing the university’s strong basketball program and academic excellence as the deciding factors in taking his talents to Taft.
“Aside po sa basketball program, malaking tulong din po sa akin ang academics ng La Salle, lalo na para sa future ko,” the St. Roberts International College standout said in an interview with Tiebreaker Times.
Sardon also credited fellow Negrense cager Spencer Pretta for helping him make the decision.
According to Sardon, Pretta, who previously played under La Salle head coach Topex Robinson during his stint at Lyceum of the Philippines University, gave him a detailed picture of both the Green Archers’ basketball culture and the school’s academic environment.
“Medyo malaking influence din si Kuya Spencer kasi na-layout po niya talaga yung basketball program at yung academics po ng La Salle sa akin,” he said.
One of the brightest young guards in the Gilas Pilipinas Boys program, Sardon has steadily built his reputation through impressive performances in both local and international competitions.
He turned heads during the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup after erupting for 20 points against the University of the Philippines. He also averaged 6.2 points and 2.8 rebounds during the SEABA qualifiers, further cementing his status as one of the country’s rising backcourt prospects.
Sardon remains part of the national team pool preparing for the 2026 FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup scheduled this August in Ahmedabad, India.
Despite the possibility that his Gilas duties could limit his preparation with the Green Archers before the UAAP season, Sardon believes competing against elite international opponents will better prepare him for the collegiate game.
“Malaking help po sa akin yung Gilas in terms of competition and paano mai-improve yung laro ko na sana po ay mag-translate to college,” said Sardon.
Before drawing interest from several UAAP schools, Sardon helped power Western Visayas in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, where his outstanding campaign alongside Luke Rose elevated his profile as one of the nation’s premier young guards.
The incoming Green Archer also thanked the people who played key roles in his basketball journey, particularly St. Robert’s head coach John Guanco, Elite Lab team manager Eugene Chua, and his family.
“Super grateful po ako kay Coach John kasi siya ang nagbigay sa akin ng chance na mag-grow yung laro ko every year sa St. Robert’s. Thankful din ako sa Elite Lab family and lalong-lalo na po sa parents sa Iloilo dahil all out po sila sa journey ko papuntang college,” he expressed.
Sardon said wearing the Green Archers jersey fulfills a lifelong ambition.
“Super excited ako kasi dream school ko po yung La Salle at makapaglaro under Coach Topex,” Sardon remarked./PN
