By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense guard Dylan Despi has officially transferred from the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and will continue his collegiate career with the Growling Tigers.

The transfer was confirmed by Dylan’s father, St. Joseph School – La Salle Bacolod head coach Yong Despi, saying that his son decided the move for an opportunity to be in a winning program and grow up as a player.

“It was really Dylan who made the decision [to move to UST]. He just consulted me about it,” Yong told Watchmen Daily Journal yesterday.

“I told him that if he stayed at UE, all the opportunities would still be there for him. But as a player, his growth might remain the same,” his father said.

Under UAAP transfer rules, Dylan must complete a one-year residency period, making him eligible to suit up for UST starting in Season 90 in 2027.

“You might end up becoming comfortable with that kind of situation [with the Red Warriors], and the competitive drive starts to lose its importance. And that drive is important for players like him who have big dreams,” Yong added.

Despi is expected to have two remaining years of eligibility.

The transfer marks a return to familiar ground for the Bacolod native, who had previously committed to the UST Tiger Cubs program in 2023 after emerging as one of the top prospects from Bacolod Tay Tung High School.

Instead of joining the Tiger Cubs immediately, Despi eventually enrolled at UE, where he became part of head coach Chris Gavina’s rebuilding squad in UAAP Season 88.

Despite the Red Warriors’ difficult campaign, Despi delivered several notable performances, including a 17-point, seven-assist and five-rebound effort against the Growling Tigers.

The Growling Tigers are expected to add Despi to its long-term plans as they aim to strengthen their point guard position following the graduation of Rence Padrigao and Kyle Paranada./ASC, WDJ