From champ to champ: Why did Janti Miller jump from San Beda to La Salle?

MANILA, Philippines – Janti Miller takes his act from one champion team to another.

The talented guard on Wednesday, February 4, confirmed that he has committed to play for reigning UAAP champion La Salle Green Archers after parting ways with the San Beda Red Lions, a team he helped lead to an NCAA title just two months prior.

His move to the UAAP comes weeks after he expressed his refusal to play in the NCAA, with Miller backtracking on his earlier statement that he wants to “run it back” with San Beda.

Miller shone in his lone NCAA season with the Red Lions, putting up 20.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals as he earned Mythical Five honors and keyed San Beda to a finals return.

Although Miller missed Game 2 due to an automatic suspension he incurred for a pair of technical fouls that led to his ejection in Game 1 of the best-of-three title series, the Red Lions completed a sweep of rival Letran Knights to capture a record-extending 24th championship. 

“I’m eager to run it back, for sure,” said Miller after their title-clinching 81-73 win last December 13.

Play Video

So why the transfer? 

In his January 17 farewell post to San Beda, Miller said his exit had something to do with the school’s uncertain move to the UAAP.

San Beda reportedly has been eyeing to make the jump to the UAAP for years.

“I love my teammates and my coaches. I’m glad I was able to bring you guys and the community a championship and leave a winner. I wanna thank everyone that has been supportive and professional in the process,” said Miller. 

“Unfortunately, with recent understanding of the timing of Beda joining the UAAP, I have decided to transfer. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else but I refuse to play in the NCAA league.” 

Miller becomes the latest Red Lions star to head to La Salle after Jacob Cortez and Evan Nelle, who both won UAAP championships with the Green Archers after helping San Beda rule in the NCAA. 

Required to sit out a year for residency, Miller will be eligible to play for La Salle in Season 90 in 2027. – Rappler.com