FROM HOOPING in a small California neighborhood to playing in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Kymani Ladi has proven that he is destined to shine in big moments. Every time he dons the Blue and White, he wields not only elite skills but also a story of culture and passion that shaped him.

Prior to his commitment to the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team, the one-and-done small forward lived a storied life across the globe, helping him cement his unforgettable UAAP stint in Season 88.

California roots

Ladi started sharpening his arsenal in California, where he resided for the majority of his life. Part of his youth was spent batting home runs and scoring goals, but he had always been drawn to the rhythm of the bouncing basketball—a love he inherited from his Filipino father. 

“My dad really introduced me to [basketball]. We’d be at family parties, and we’d end up shooting in my cousin’s backyard,” he shared. From playing competitive pick-up games against adults to joining organized middle school leagues, Ladi’s extraordinary talent made him stand out early on. 

What began as a hobby eventually evolved into a passion, as Ladi constantly sought out leagues and open courts across California to hone his skills. He carried with him two deeply ingrained traits despite being miles away from home—his burning passion for basketball and his sense of camaraderie. Together, these traits and his hunger for greatness were cultivated, finding every shot with a deeper purpose.

For players from foreign lands, Filipinos’ passion for the game can be overwhelming. But for Ladi, it was his moment to claim the spotlight and unleash his talent.

While his decision to play in the Philippines triggered doubts from onlookers, Ladi shared that he did not let anybody discourage him from pursuing his dreams. Instead, the Blue Eagle used the roars as fuel to prove his value in the Ateneo’s roster.

Across the globe

According to Ladi, his basketball journey in the Philippines could have started after high school when his former coach, Jed Madayag, introduced him to the possibility of playing in the UAAP. 

However, the Bay-area product shared that his unfamiliarity with the country made him reluctant to take the immediate switch in scenery. Instead, he chose to enroll at Merritt Junior College in Oakland, California, which he viewed primarily as a proving ground for talent.

“You really have maybe a season or two to show what you can do to get offers from the high-division colleges out there in the States,” Ladi explained.

Even with the goal of transferring to another school, Ladi’s time with Merritt proved to be meaningful as his desire to improve kept him on the grind every day. By his fourth year with the team, the 6’8” wingman averaged 14.6 points and 7.7 rebounds in the California Community College Athletic Association.

Yet, Ladi’s performance could not lead him to the offers he desired.  As dreams of playing in a more prestigious and competitive college league started slipping away, Ladi found himself revisiting the idea of donning an Ateneo jersey. 

Curious about the country’s basketball scene, Ladi mentioned that he looked into joining Ateneo’s rival schools—De La Salle University and University of the Philippines. It was not until he met Head Coach Tab Baldwin at a recruitment trip that he was reassured Ateneo was the right destination for him. “On the first day, he was already showing me [basketball tips]. […] I could tell it was genuine, and he really wanted to help,” said Ladi.

Despite already having four years of collegiate basketball experience, Ladi knew he would need to serve a residency year before playing in the UAAP. Still, he flew across the globe, unwavering in his pursuit of becoming a Blue Eagle.

Far from home 

From the shores of Oakland to the bustling streets of Katipunan, Ladi was met with immediate culture shock upon arriving in the Philippines. He emphasized how academic workload was a lifestyle change he had to get accustomed to, with Ateneo’s academic system fostering stronger commitment from students.

Fortunately for the transferee, fellow Blue Eagle Shawn Tuano—who also hails from California—helped him adapt to a new environment once he joined the team. 

During his residency year, Ladi got his first taste of Philippine basketball. He started representing Ateneo in small tournaments with Team Glory B, eventually making noise as part of Team A in the 2025 Asiabasket College Campus Tour Pre-season Tournament. This lead-up toward Season 88 became a period of growth for Ladi, leaving him with several lessons along the way.

“[The tournaments] helped me get used to the way players play out here because they do play [defense] a lot differently,” Ladi discussed. 

However, just as he was starting to find his rhythm, the prized recruit’s commitment to Ateneo faced jeopardy when he received an invite to a National Basketball Association (NBA) Summer League workout.  

This became an emotional moment in his career, as he admitted being torn between forgoing his UAAP eligibility and chasing the NBA dream—an opportunity only a few players ever achieve.

Firm in his commitment to the Blue and White, Ladi decided to sacrifice a lifetime opportunity, stating how playing for Ateneo was more important than one workout.

Soon after, Ladi finally suited up for his first UAAP game against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws. The skipper admitted to feeling first-game jitters as it was his first time playing in front of a big crowd. This game, however, was only the appetizer to a larger audience as Ladi was set to play in his first-ever rivalry games.

“[S]eeing the blue on your side, it just makes you feel better and gives you something to play for,” he expressed. Representing a community that he describes as the most love he has received, Ladi claimed that his decision to take a residency year and turn down an NBA workout was all worth it. 

Ultimately, Ladi’s journey as a Blue Eagle was defined not by its duration, but by the memories, connections, and lessons he forged—treasures he will carry on with him in the next stages of his career.  

One-and-done

Following his season with Ateneo, the one-and-done star has been getting a lot of attention from the media and the passionate basketball community in the Philippines. 

Despite coming up short in securing a spot in the Final Four, Ladi brought back the winning culture to the Loyola Heights campus—one that is rooted in leadership and brotherhood. His impact has sparked conversations about the possibility of playing in the national team and overseas.  

While the status of his eligibility and next basketball destination remains uncertain, there is no doubt that any team he plays for will receive a high-character player, both on and off the court. 

As Ladi’s one-year Ateneo stint comes to a close, his passion for basketball exemplifies what it means to be great beyond numbers—donning the Blue and White with pride, grit, and honor. 

Editor’s Note: This interview was conducted prior to the conclusion of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team’s UAAP Season 88 campaign.