THE LONG ROAD TO REDEMPTION FOR UNDRAFTED NCAA STARS

Now I understand why the UAAP said no when the PBA asked if their graduating players could join the 2025 Draft. Just look at NCAA's Season 101—three guys are in very different situations right now.

Take Gab Cometa. The former San Beda Red Lion is now suiting up for Benilde, hoping for a redemption run after getting snubbed in the draft. The problem? Benilde is stacked. Last season’s MVP Allen Liwag is still producing, and another ex-Red Lion, Justine Sanchez, has been the main scoring option. Add to that Shawn Umali still finding his rhythm with the Blazers and Tony Ynot yet to play, and it’s tough for Cometa to really boost his numbers.

Then there’s Joe Celzo. Unlike Cometa, he actually got drafted—fourth round by TNT—but went unsigned. The silver lining is he’s seeing more minutes this season compared to Season 100. Makes you think: if he waited another year, maybe he could’ve gone higher in the draft.

And of course, John “Ato” Barba. Honestly, I still don’t know why he went undrafted. He was in the Mythical Five of Season 100, put up multiple 20-point games, led LPU to Final Four appearances, and showed up in clutch moments. Now, it feels like he’s just going through the motions. He’s averaging only four points, and LPU’s slow start reflects that. It’s as if he’s disappointed, unmotivated, even heartbroken—and who wouldn’t be?

The bigger question is: what’s next for them? The most obvious path is the MPBL. Barba, for example, could’ve used the NCAA offseason to get reps there. Maybe that’s what pro coaches were waiting to see—if he could handle that grind. Because the MPBL is where you prove yourself: playing under a tough coach, fighting for minutes against hungry teammates, and testing yourself against ex-PBA guys looking for another shot.

That’s why, as much as it stings to go undrafted, these players still have a stage in the NCAA and a platform in the MPBL. It’s really a choice—either fade away playing like zombies, or fight to prove everyone wrong.