Player movement is not uncommon these days, especially when it comes to the NCAA and the UAAP. A better opportunity, more playing time, and a chance at building on a legacy are among the reasons athletes move between both collegiate leagues, but Janti Miller’s impending UAAP move feels different. 

People can certainly draw parallels with Miller’s departure and that of Jacob Cortez. Like Miller, Cortez left the San Beda Red Lions as a champion. Both led the Red Lions at a time when the title race was wide open and though both were not named Finals MVP, they were nonetheless viewed as the key figures in San Beda’s summit to the top. Unlike Miller, though, Cortez made the move to the DLSU Green Archers to build on what his father Mike began more than two decades ago. 

Perhaps Miller’s path can be likened to that of James Payosing, the Finals MVP during the Red Lions’ NCAA Season 99 championship team who left for the UP Fighting Maroons the year after.

The Red Lions must be hurt with Miller’s departure, but they tend to reload rather than rebuild and will more likely than not win a title in the coming years. In fact, they benefitted from a UAAP departure a decade or so ago, when Robert Bolick left the Green Archers and led San Beda to a three-peat. Clint Escamis also left the UE Red Warriors and won a championship with the Mapua Cardinals.  

However, one thing is certain: an NCAA title does not add any more staying power. Miller had some strong words in what was otherwise a heartfelt message, explicitly mentioning his desire not to play in the NCAA even if he could have very well led the Red Lions to a three-peat. San Beda moving to the UAAP would have made this a non-issue, but that isn’t happening anytime soon and is a conversation for another day. The Red Lions’ loss is now the UAAP’s gain, as whoever gets Miller will get a bonafide scorer who will be a matchup problem against anyone defenses throw at him. 

So what should the NCAA do? They continue to lose stars, marquee players, and even championship winners. The San Beda Red Lions remain part of their league, but talk of their move to the UAAP is getting louder and could turn into a reality sooner than later. It may be time for reforms, although that might be too much of an ask for a league that went All-Filipino and has tinkered with the postseason format and thus faced mixed reviews. Then again, staying put may not do good, lest they want to be left behind by the UAAP or worse, their members themselves.