By MARK REY MONTEJO
Former National University Bulldogs team captain Leo Aringo is set to take a new and more challenging path after signing with the Saitama Azalea in the 2025-26 season of Japan V.League.
His new team announced his signing through a social media post Tuesday, June 17, showing the Season 87 Finals MVP along with a Saitama official and joined by NU officials.
This would be his first stint as a professional after a successful collegiate career that saw him win three titles as part of the NU Bulldogs while also graduating from BS Physical Education.
With his signing, Aringo made himself the second Bulldog to compete in the Japanese tournament next to erstwhile NU superstar Bryan Bagunas.
The 6-foot-3 hitter became pivotal in NU’s run in Season 87, especially in the finals where they overcame the gritty Ryx Saavedra-led Far Eastern University Tamaraws which concluded in a rubber match.
Aringo and the Bulldogs completed a rare five-peat in the Final Four era – a fitting end as their counterparts Lady Bulldogs won their first-ever back-to-back crowns.
“Fresh from winning his third career UAAP championship, finals MVP and former captain Leo Aringo is taking his talents to the Japanese V.League in the 2025-26 season after signing with Saitama Azalea,” NU wrote.
“A testament to the tried, tested Bulldog pride and program,” it added.
The outside spiker from Davao City will try to make an impact for Saitama, which is part of the league’s East clubs along with six others and 10 from the West side.
