By ADRIAN STEWART CO

University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers’ reboot ahead of UAAP Season 84 continues as they have locked in the commitments of Nicael Dominie Cabañero and Leobert Andrew Casinillo. 

Cabañero, a native of Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu, said he did not think twice of committing to the Growling Tigers as he sees himself flourishing under the guidance of head coach Jinno Manansala.

“Hindi talaga ako nagdalawang isip na mag-commit sa UST since maganda ang basketball program ni coach Ji and nakikita ko na mago-grow ang laro ko dito,” Cabañero told Watchmen Daily Journal yesterday.

“May ibang colleges and universities rin sa Manila ang lumapit sa akin but I am decided na sa UST talaga ako magco-college. In fact I am excited for the practices to start so that I can meet my teammates,” he added.

Cabañero transferred to UST’s high school team last year from San Beda University Red Cubs but was unable to strut his wares for the yellow and gold team with the UAAP Season 83 cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to being recruited to play for the Red Cubs in 2018, Cabañero first suited up for University of San Carlos before transferring to Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles.

The Growling Tigers have also recently secured the commitment of Cabañero’s former Magis Eagles teammate in 6-foot-1 Casinillo, who is currently residing in United Kingdom.

“Playing in the UAAP is an opportunity I can’t pass up,” he said. “I picked UST because of its basketball program and academics. I am also certain that I am in good hands with coach Ji (Manansala).”

“When I arrive in UST, I’ll make sure that I’ll contribute well through my basketball skills and hopefully my leadership skills in Ateneo (de Cebu) will take effect in UST,” added Casinillo, whose mother is from Bacolod City.

Prior to Cabañero and Casinillo, the Growling Tigers have also secured the commitments of Filipino-Spanish forward Javi Gomez de Liano and Filipino-Australian winger Royce Mantua./ASC, WDJ