By Adrian Stewart Co

Reynold Tupas of Himamaylan City is set to join the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the 82nd UAAP junior basketball season.

“Noon pa man pangarap ko na talagang makapaglaro sa Manila so it’s a dream come true for me na makuha sa UST (It has been my dream to play in Manila, so it’s a dream come true to get into UST),” he said. “But hindi naman sapat na kinuha ako ng UST (But it’s not enough just to get accepted at UST). I still need to improve my game.”

Prior to joining UST, Tupas played for Himamaylan National High School and Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI).

“[UST coach Aldin Ayo] noticed Reynold during a pocket tournament in Bingawan, Iloilo last year and [had] expressed an interest,” said HSCI coach Vincent Conlu. “I chose to bring him to UST because I know that he will be taken care of not only in basketball but also [with] studies.”

“Also, his style of plays fits to Ayo’s system,” he added.

Tupas is the second Negrense tapped by UST from HSCI. Mark Nonoy of La Carlota City joined in the 81st season./ASC, WDJ