MANILA, Philippines — Jeremy Sochan admired the Philippines’ passion for basketball during his six-day visit capped with the NBA Rising Stars Invitational Philippine Qualifiers on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The National University Nazareth School (NUNS) boys and girls basketball teams will represent the country in the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, which will feature 11 countries and territories across Asia-Pacific, in Singapore from June 25 to 29.

READ: Jeremy Sochan aim to build legacy helping Spurs regain glory

Jeremy Sochan relishes his visit in Manila. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Rs44sB5CV7

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 10, 2025

The Lady Bullpups ruled the girls division with a 107-49 beating of  La Salle College Antipolo (LSCA), with center Zuzzane Singson emerging as MVP after recording 16 points and 18 rebounds.

The Bullpups took down their UAAP tormentor, the UST Tiger Cubs,  101-75, as MVP Shaun Lucido led their balanced attack.

“The past week has been great. Watching basketball is something I love. Whatever age group it is, whatever kind of competition it is, it’s basketball at the end of the day,” said the San Antonio Spurs forward.

“One thing I found out on this trip is just the passion and the love and the heart that everyone has here for basketball. Wherever you’re playing, coaching, watching, or spectating, there’s so much passion and I just truly respect that. The kids playing out there, just playing hard, playing fast, playing on both sides of the court. We respect the basketball coaches for some of the things. I just saw a lot of joy and it was great.”

READ: Jeremy Sochan to attend NBA Rising Stars PH qualifiers

Aside from the high school championship at the Big Dome, Sochan also saw Filipinos playing on the streets during his tour and even met some of his fans including the Spurs faithful.

“It’s been great. I see a lot of young, talented, hard workers,” he said. “I think that’s the most important thing. Talent doesn’t always take you everywhere. You have to have that mentality of working hard, being just a dog. I see a lot of that. I see a lot of pride and passion. It’s been good to see this.”

In fact, Sochan took on Gilas Pilipinas in a tune-up game for the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament last year during the country’s training camp in Poland.

“I love it. I feel like I resonate with it [Philippine style of basketball]. I play pretty hard. I feel a lot of energy from both sides of the court, and that was I saw those past few days. It’s been great,” he said. 

More than basketball, the 21-year-old forward also enjoyed the Filipino culture, especially food, sharing that Gising-gising, Adobo, Sisig, and Halo halo are his favorites.