Mark Belmonte moves to Letran after UP exit

After leaving University of the Philippines (UP), Mark Belmonte takes his talents to Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the NCAA, Letran head coach Allen Ricardo confirmed to DAILY TRIBUNE.

“There is a person who offered him then told him, yes we are open (for transferees),” Ricardo said Thursday morning through a message. 

Belmonte, a one-time UAAP champion in his three-season stint with the Fighting Maroons is expected to aid the Knights who settled for a runner-up finish in the NCAA Season 101 after falling to longtime rivals San Beda Red Lions. 

As the 6-foot-5 forward will undergo one-year residency before suiting up in NCAA Season 103, Ricardo has plans already for the 21-year-old. 

“He will be a good asset for season 103 because Kevin Santos will serve his last playing year this season 102,” Ricardo said Thursday morning. 

Santos, a versatile big man, was named as a member of the All-Defensive Team and the Mythical Five in Season 101 after storming averages of 10.9 points, 7.7 boards and 1.6 blocks per game.