Lebron Jhames Daep's confidence growing after winning two basketball titles in a year

It has been a remarkable year for Lebron Jhames Daep.

After emerging as the Most Valuable Player and Finals MVP of the NCAA Season 100 Juniors Basketball Tournament last April, Daep went on to capture not just one, but two major basketball titles in 2025.

Months after leading the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to the NCAA juniors championship in April, Daep made the jump to De La Salle University in the UAAP and helped the Green Archers win the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball title in December.

Winning two major titles in the span of just eight months is a rare feat for Daep, one he remains deeply grateful for.

“Nagpapasalamat ako kay God na nakuha ko ‘yung experience na ganoon,” Daep told GMA News Online.

“Sobrang saya and sobrang grateful na naka-experience ako ng mga bagay na ganoon. Parang once in a lifetime lang ‘yung ganung moments, kaya nagpasalamat ako sa Panginoon.”

(I thank God that I was able to have that experience... I'm so happy and so grateful to experience something like that. Those moments are once in a lifetime so I thank God.)

Daep said both championship runs were special to him, especially as they helped boost his confidence on the court.

“Na-boost ang confidence ko dahil naramdaman ko ang pagiging champion and ‘yung experience sa finals na ‘yun. Parang nadagdagan ‘yung kumpiyansa sa sarili ko,” he said.

(My confidence was boosted because I felt what it was like to be a champion and the experience in the finals. It really added to my belief in myself.)

Interestingly, Daep also won the UAAP title alongside former NCAA finals rivals Guillian Quines and Gian Gomez, who were part of the La Salle Green Hills squad during Season 100.

For Daep, however, this is only the beginning.

“Hindi ko papabayaan ang sarili ko, and makikita n’yo next year ang improved na Lebron Daep.”

(I'm not going to take it easy and next year, you'll see an improved Lebron Daep.)

—JMB, GMA Integrated News