By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Gilas Pilipinas Boys guard Kyle Sardon has committed to De La Salle University, becoming the latest national youth team standout to join the Green Archers stable.
The 18-year-old guard from Negros Occidental’s Binalbagan town, said La Salle’s combination of a competitive basketball program and strong academic reputation convinced him to pursue his collegiate career in Taft.
“Aside po sa basketball program, malaking tulong din po sa akin ang academics ng La Salle, lalo na para sa future ko,” the St. Robert’s International College standout said in an interview with Tiebreaker Times.
Sardon also acknowledged fellow Negrense basketball player Spencer Pretta’s role in helping him make his decision.
According to Sardon, Pretta, who previously played under La Salle head coach Topex Robinson during his stint at Lyceum of the Philippines University, shared valuable information about both the team’s culture and the school’s academic environment.
“Medyo malaking influence din si Kuya Spencer kasi na-layout po niya talaga ‘yung basketball program at ‘yung academics po ng La Salle sa akin,” he said.
Sardon has emerged as one of the promising guards in the Gilas Pilipinas Boys program. He impressed during the 2026 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup by scoring 20 points against the University of the Philippines, while also averaging 6.2 points and 2.8 rebounds during the SEABA qualifiers.
He remains part of the national team pool preparing for the 2026 FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup, which will be held in Ahmedabad, India this August.
Despite knowing that his commitments with the national team could affect his preparation with the Green Archers ahead of the UAAP season, Sardon believes the experience gained from representing the country will benefit his transition to the collegiate ranks.
“Malaking help po sa akin ‘yung Gilas in terms of competition and paano mai-improve ‘yung laro ko na sana po ay mag-translate to college,” Sardon said.
Before attracting interest from several UAAP programs, Sardon helped Western Visayas during the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, where his performances alongside Luke Rose boosted his stock as one of the country’s top young guards.
The incoming La Salle recruit also expressed gratitude to the people who supported his development, including his St. Robert’s head coach John Guanco and team manager Eugene Chua of Elite Lab.
“Super grateful po ako kay Coach John kasi siya ang nagbigay sa akin ng chance na mag-grow ‘yung laro ko every year sa St. Robert’s. Thankful din ako sa Elite Lab family and lalung-lalo na po sa parents sa Iloilo dahil all out po sila sa journey ko papuntang college,” he expressed.
Sardon said he is excited to begin the next chapter of his career with the Green Archers and fulfill a longtime dream.
“Super excited ako kasi dream school ko po ‘yung La Salle at makapaglaro under Coach Topex,” Sardon remarked./ASC, WDJ