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University of the Philippines point guard JD Cagulangan won two UAAP championships in his career with the Fighting Maroons. Cagulangan's story is an inspiration as he did not get an opportunity to shine with the De La Salle Green Archers and joined UP in 2021.
Furthermore, he defeated La Salle in Game 3 of the finals on Sunday in front of a record-breaking 25,248 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. In the 66-62 victory, Cagulangan recorded 12 points, four assists, three steals and two rebounds.
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"JD Cagulangan entered college basketball a superstar out of high school. He didn't get the opportunity he deserved at La Salle. Went to UP. and Became a legend of his own at a new home, delivering that team/school countless moments to last a lifetime," All-Star Magazine's Naveen Ganglani tweeted.
He also won the UAAP Season 87 Finals MVP and expressed his gratitude during a postgame interview.
“I can’t say anything but thank you," Cagulangan said, via Rappler. "I’m so happy to have been part of this program. They welcomed me so well, and UP truly deserved to win this season. I want to thank Coach Gold for trusting me.
“I wasn’t his player (from NU high school), but he gave his full trust. Thank you to my teammates, coaches and sponsors. And my family, that’s where I get my strength.”
In the finals series, Cagulangan posted averages of 13.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.6 apg and 1.3 spg. His best performance was in the Game 2 loss where he scored 16 points with seven rebounds and five assists.
The guard made his UAAP debut with DLSU in Season 82 in 2019. Furthermore, he was able to play for UP for four years after enrolling at Saint Clare College of Caloocan during the pandemic.
JD Cagulangan's career highlights
Before getting recruited by La Salle Greenhills, JD Cagulangan played for Northern Mindanao in the 2013 Palarong Pambansa in his elementary days. He helped LSGH win its first NCAA title after converting both of his free throws in the dying seconds of the game against the Malayan Red Robins.
With his collegiate career over, Cagulangan had one of the most successful runs in the UAAP.
- 2× UAAP men's champion (2021, 2024)
- UAAP Finals MVP (2024)
- UAAP Mythical Team (2024)
- Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup champion (2023, 2024)
- NCAA juniors' champion (2017)
- NCAA juniors' Finals MVP (2017)
What's next for JD Cagulangan?
