MANILA – llonggo John Bryan Sajonia is looking for a new start to his collegiate career as he transfers to San Beda University Red Lions in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
The Pavia, Iloilo native guard formalized his transfer to the Red Lions last week after spending two seasons with the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
According to Red Lions head coach Yuri Escueta, he welcomed the transfer of the former Santa Clarita International School Primes standout as they aim to return to title contention soon.
“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,” said the second-year San Beda head coach.
The 6-foot-0 Sajonia was one of the reliable guards of the Tamaraws the last two seasons as he averaged 5.13 points and 2.4 rebounds in his rookie year while playing alongside RJ Abarrientos.
Sajonia, however, showed vast improvement in UAAP Season 85 last year as he averaged 11.17 points, 4.17 rebounds, 1.67 assists, and 1.58 steals but FEU fell short of reaching the Final Four.
The 22-year-old Sajonia’s departure also came as a surprise to the Tamaraws community as the Ilonggo guard even joined the team during their pocket tournament last month in Davao City.
Sajonia was one of the fast rising guards at the Primes under head coach Rodel Camacho where he was part of the Western Visayas team that finished runner up to National Capital Region during the 2017 Palarong Pambansa in San Jose, Antique.
It was there where Sajonia was discovered and recruited by the FEU Baby Tamaraws, where he spend the last two years of his high school career before being elevated to FEU seniors. At San Beda, Sajonia joins fellow former FEU player Joe Celzo, former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons John Bismarck Lina and RC Calimag, and former University of Santo Tomas gunner Richi Calimag. They will all be eligible next year./PN
