Since the tournament’s inception in 2022, no team has ever successfully defended its World University Basketball Series (WUBS) title. Can the DLSU Green Archers become the first squad to do so?
Nearly a year ago, Kevin Quiambao and the DLS Green Archers stood atop the World University Basketball Series.
Now, the Taft-based squad is back — not just to defend their crown, but to prove that their previous success wasn’t a one-time spark.
DLSU heads to the 2025 WUBS in Tokyo, Japan with a retooled, talent-rich roster, setting its sights on becoming the first team in tournament history to win back-to-back titles.
Mike Phillips headlined a loaded 17-man DLSU crew that also include sweet-shooting big man Mason Amos and guards Kean Baclaan and Jacob Cortez to name a few.
Also boosting DLSU are Nigerian big man Bright Nwankwo, seniors Earl Abadam and JC Macalalag and former NCAA juniors MVP and champion Lebron Daep and Jacobs' brother Mikey.
Denzel Dagdag, Doy Dungo, Vhoris Marasigan, Rhyle Melencio, Luis Pablo, Guillan Quines, and Dominic Sarmiento round up the wards of head coach Topex Robinson in their quest to rule to the tournament that will run from August 9-11.
DLSU opens its title retention bid against National Chengchi University of Chinese Taipei on Saturday, August 9.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | UP, DLSU compete at World University Basketball Series 2025]
And this time, they won't be alone in flying the Philippine flag.
Reigning UAAP Season 87 champions UP Fighting Maroons are also competing, adding firepower to the country’s chances in a field that features Australia’s University of Sydney, Korea University, and host Japan’s select team.
The Fighting Maroons, who beat the Green Archers in the semifinals en route to clinching back-to-back FilOil preseason crowns earlier, will face Korea University in their own opening match.
[ALSO READ: UP Fighting Maroons unveil lineup for World University Basketball Series]
The games will be aired on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.