Janti Miller exits San Beda: ‘I refuse to play in the NCAA’

MANILA, Philippines – Janti Miller has shut the door on an NCAA return.

On Saturday, January 17, Miller expressed his disinterest in playing in the century-old league as he leaves the San Beda Red Lions, a program he helped win the Season 101 championship.

“I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else, but I refuse to play in the NCAA league,” Miller wrote in his Instagram post.

In the same post, Miller said he felt a misunderstanding in San Beda’s rumored transfer to the UAAP, prompting his exit.

“Unfortunately, with a recent understanding of the timing of San Beda joining the UAAP, I have decided to transfer,” he wrote. “Once a Bedan, always a Bedan. I will forever support and root for you, whether I’m playing for you or not.”

San Beda, a marquee NCAA powerhouse, has been rumored to be working on a move to the UAAP in 2027.

UAAP schools have also reportedly been seeking Miller’s services since his emergence as a star for San Beda.

A day after the Red Lions won the Season 101 title, Miller appeared in the crowd during Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball finals between the UP Fighting Maroons and eventual champions La Salle Green Archers.

The 22-year-old Miller, who still has two years of eligibility left should he play in the UAAP, was sitting in the La Salle crowd of the arena.

In the NCAA finale, Miller played only in Game 1 against the Letran Knights after he was suspended due to two flopping violations in the series opener.

Despite his absence, San Beda went on to win the championship, with Miller’s teammate Bryan Sajonia being named the Finals MVP.

Miller was one of San Beda’s biggest acquisitions in recent years, putting up 20.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game in his lone NCAA season.

His 6-foot-4 height, coupled with scoring and playmaking abilities, makes him perhaps the most sought-after prospect in the collegiate scene, especially in the UAAP.

“I was just a young kid traveling across the world to play basketball in a new environment and culture,” Miller said as he got candid about his time with San Beda. “I couldn’t understand anyone, and it was a completely different living environment. You took a chance on me and embraced me as one of your own — a kid who wasn’t familiar with his Filipino roots. Some may even say I’m not Filipino.”

Miller said San Beda helped him connect with his Filipino roots.

“Not only did you take me in for basketball, but you also helped me understand my history,” he said. “I love my teammates and my coaches, and I’m glad I was able to bring you and the community a championship and leave as a winner.”

“I want to thank everyone who has been supportive and professional throughout the process.” – Rappler.com