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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider After his best season with NU, Figueroa takes talent to KBL

After his best season with NU, Figueroa takes talent to KBL

Published Dec 13, 2025 11:08 am

At A Glance

  • Following his breakthrough campaign with National University in the UAAP Season 88, versatile guard Jake Figueroa has decided to make his next move by bringing his talent overseas.
Following his breakthrough campaign with National University in the UAAP Season 88, versatile guard Jake Figueroa has decided to make his next move by bringing his talent overseas.
This, after the 23-year-old Figueroa signed with the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus in the fast-rising Korean Basketball League (KBL), the club announced Friday, Dec. 12.
“Jake Figueroa has joined us as our Asian Quota player,” Ulsan wrote on its social media post. “Please cheer for Hyundai as we grow together with Figueroa.”
The 6-foot-3 playmaker became pivotal in the Bulldogs’ 11-3 finish in the elimination to take the No. 1 spot heading into the semifinals.
However, despite carrying a coveted twice-to-beat bonus, Figueroa and Co. bowed twice to the Jacob Cortez-led De La Salle Green Archers who ultimately spoiled their once promising quest.
The Minalin, Pampanga native, who had completed his tenure with the Sampaloc-based squad, is expected to become part of this year’s Elite Team with his superb statline of 13.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.0 block, and 2.1 steals per contest.
Figueroa, the UAAP juniors MVP in Season 82, will replace his compatriot and former NU guard turned CSB Blazer Migs Oczon, who suited up for the Mobis Phoebus since his debut in December 2023 to fill in for now Ginebra floor general RJ Abarrientos.
He will become the latest Filipino to play in the KBL together with his fellow UAAP stars Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, JD Cagulangan, and SJ Belangel.
Ulsan is currently sharing the ninth spot with Daegu KOGAS as both squads hold 6-13 win-loss cards.
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