MANILA – High school standout John Bismarck Lina will retain the colors of yellow and gold after committing to play for the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers in the seniors division of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) basketball.
Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo confirmed to Panay News on Thursday evening that the commitment of the six-foot-five Batang Gilas center is an added weapon in UST’s frontline for the UAAP wars later this year.
“He has already informed us verbally na sa UST siya magco-college last week,” Ayo said. “Malaking bagay si Bismarck sa team, kasi as everybody knows, medyo undersized ‘yung frontline namin.”
Lina said in an interview with Rick Olivares that the reason why he chose to stay with the Growling Tigers is because he trusts Ayo and the UST coaching staff to develop his ballgame further.
“I chose to stay with UST kasi nandoon ‘yung trust ko kay coach Aldin at sa coaching staff na tuturuan nila ako na ma-develop as a player, and gusto ko makatulong sa team,” Lina said.
Prior to his commitment to senior’s team, Lina spent his high school career with the UST Tiger Cubs. He registered solid numbers in his final year with averages of 19.3 points, 12.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists even though his team failed to reach the Final Four.
The Growling Tigers are now in a bid to do better in this year’s campaign after the team finished as the runner-up of the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball, having been defeated by the three-time champion Ateneo Blue Eagles./PN
