National University-Nazareth School (NUNS) will kick off its title defense with a revamped roster when the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 16U boys’ basketball tournament gets underway on Saturday at the FEU-Diliman Gym in Quezon City.

Gone from the Bullpups’ roster are reigning Best Foreign Student-Athlete Moussa Diakite, last season’s Finals Most Valuable Player David Sabareza, Jaypee Yanga and Ian Manalo, who have all moved up to the 19U ranks.

But expect NUNS to fight hard in their 11 a.m. battle with University of Santo Tomas with 14-year-old RJ Mayor and 15-year-old Martin Macoy taking leadership roles.

The Junior Tiger Cubs, meanwhile, will be led by Nicolai Cabañero, the younger brother of former Growling Tiger Nic Cabañero, and current Tiger Cub Andwele Cabañero.

Meanwhile, fresh off their stint with Gilas Pilipinas Boys in the 2026 B.League Under-16 Challenge Cup, Hisham Mampao and Dwyane Madrigal return to Far Eastern University-Diliman while Jayson Mercado will banner University of the East.

The Baby Tamaraws will clash with Adamson University at 3 p.m. while the Junior Warriors will battle University of the Philippines Integrated School at 9 a.m.

At 1 p.m., Ateneo High School and De La Salle-Zobel will renew their rivalry.

Unfortunately for the Blue Eagles, Gilas Pilipinas Boys guard Marco Yoro is not part of the lineup after suffering a knee injury, while the Junior Archers will be bannered by twins Enzo and Ice Purugganan and returnees David Dizon, Fonzy Mercado and Rhye Villaruz.