MANILA – Three Ilonggo transferees will be at the forefront of San Beda University Red Lions’ title defense in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament slated next year.
John Bryan Sajonia and Menard Songcuya, formerly of Far Eastern University Tamaraws, and Ronrei Tolentino of Centro Escolar University Scorpions before will all be good to go next year after completing their one-year residencies.
Sajonia, a native of Pavia, Iloilo, was one of the reliable guards of the Tamaraws as he averaged 11.17 points, 4.17 rebounds, 1.67 assists, and 1.58 steals in his final year with the school.
“Having another shooter, an experienced guard at that, is always welcome in our team. But he is not just a shooter but also a very good defender,” Red Lions head coach Yuri Escueta said of Sajonia.
Songcuya, who is from Iloilo City, was a former standout of Nazareth School of National University Bullpups before making his way to the Tamaraws for UAAP Season 85 tournament.
The 6-foot-5 Songcuya has already suited up for the Red Lions in some of their pre-season tournaments where he averaged 3.6 points and 2.6 rebounds as off-the-bench big man.
Tolentino, who also hails from Iloilo City, was a former member of FEU Baby Tamaraws in UAAP juniors before moving to Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, University of the East Red Warriors, the Scorpions, and the Red Lions for college.
The 6-foot-3 Tolentino also had a decent campaign with the Scorpions last year where he averaged 9.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.7 steals in one of their tournaments.
Overall, the Red Lions have several recruits in residency for the upcoming season in Penny Estacio, Joe Celzo, brothers Recaredo and Richi Calimag and John Bismarck Lina.
The Red Lions captured the NCAA Season 99 crown last Sunday after a 76-66 victory over Mapua University Cardinals in Game 3 behind the heroics of Yukien Andrada, James Payosing, and Jacob Cortez, who is rumored to be moving to the De La Salle University Green Archers./PN
