SEASON 99 FINALS’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and San Beda Red Lions stalwart, James Payosing, is set to transfer to the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons and to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) after three years with the Red Lions.  

After playing a key role in the Red Lions’ NCAA Season 99 championship run, the Season 99 Finals MVP became the subject of transfer rumors following the team’s success.

Averaging 9.6 points and 12.0 rebounds during the three-game series, Payosing received offers from both NCAA and UAAP programs but ultimately decided to stay for the Red Lions’ championship defense in Season 100 of the NCAA.

After confirming his return, Payosing posted averages of 7.32 points, 5.32 rebounds, and 1.58 assists per game in what is now his final season of the NCAA after the Red Lions’ final-four exit at the hands of the De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde Blazers (DLS-CSB). 

Due to residency rules of the UAAP, Payosing will serve his residency year for the UP Fighting Maroons this 2025. He remains eligible for two playing years in the UAAP and is set to make debut in the league’s Season 89 Basketball Tournament. 

With Payosing’s departure, a number of new recruits are expected to suit up for the Red Lions’ Season 101 campaign. These names include Agjanti Miller from Casper College, Jimmy Reyes from California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB), Xavier Gentels from Orangeville Prep High School (who is currently nursing an ACL injury) – all with Filipino ties hailing from North America, Miles Culdora from the University of the Visayas (UV),

Ronrei Tolentino, who served a year in the Red Lion’s Team B, and Daniel Marcelo, who is eligible for Season 102 – both from Centro Escolar University (CEU).   

Editor’s Note: The Bedan is in the process of reaching out to James Payosing and certain officials from the Athletics Department. This article will be updated with their response.