MANILA – University of Santo Tomas was boosting its high school squad – the Tiger Cubs – with four key acquisitions from Western Visayas.
Hua Siong College of Iloilo’s Mark Nonoy and John Raven Beliran, CenterPhil Montessori Silver Knights’ Ian Gasacao, and St. Robert’s International Academy’s Kevin Barranco were among the Cubs’ new recruits for UAAP Season 81.
Nonoy is a native of La Carlota City, Negros Occidental while Beliran is from San Jose, Antique.
They are moving to UST after their stint in the 2018 Palarong Pambansa in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Hua Siong mentor Vincent Conlu confirmed.
“Sure na sila sa UST,” Conlu told Panay News. “We chose UST among other schools because their style of play fits with the system of coach Aldin [Ayo]. Dinala ko na nga sila rito and they have practiced with UST’s juniors team last week.”
Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo said in a separate interview that Barranco – the top scorer of St. Robert’s Panda Rockets in tournaments in Iloilo – also committed to Tiger Cubs.
“Barranco will also be playing for UST Tiger Cubs. Maigi iyong laro niya,” Ayo said. “In fact, Nonoy, Beliran and Barranco are great additions to our high school team.”
Aside from its guards, Tiger Cubs also boosted its frontline with the 6-foot-3 center Gasacao, who had an impressive stint with Silver Knights in the Breakdown Basketball tournament in Manila last month.
Silver Knights owner Mark Plagata Palabrica said they accepted the offer from Tiger Cubs after his meeting with Ayo amid offers from Mapua High School and Hercor College.
“Ian (Gasacao) will continue his high school career with UST,” Palabrica said. “I have talked to his parents, and they agreed to accept the offer since they know it will be a huge help to Ian’s basketball career.”
“With UST, hindi lang iyong basketball career ni Ian ang secured kundi pati ang studies niya,” he added. “Also, coach Aldin assured that alaga ang players niya and he does not allow bullying.”/PN
