Nonoy, Cuajao head for La Salle

TWO more players—reigning Rookie of the Year Mark Nonoy and guard Deo Cuajao—confirmed on Monday that they are leaving University of Santo Tomas (UST) and are joining De La Salle in the aftermath of former Coach Aldin Ayo’s Sorsogon City bubble.

The 5-foot-8 Nonoy announced his departure in the same platform as four of his teammates used ahead of him, on social media.

“I thank the entire UST community for giving me the chance to show what I’ve got in the sport and I thank the coaching staff, especially coach Aldin Ayo for plucking me from the province and putting their trust on me,” Nonoy said on Instagram.

Former captain CJ Cansino left ahead of everyone on the team for University of the Philippines, while star forward Rhenz Abando, guard Brent Paraiso and big man Ira Bataller transferred to Letran. Reserve guard Jun Asuncion is now with Mapua University.

That leaves the Growling Tigers with reigning MVP Soulemane Chabi Yo, shooters Sherwin Concepcion and Miguel Pangilinan and big man Dave Ando from last year’s team that lost to Ateneo in the Finals of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAA) Finals.

UST is in hot water because of Ayo’s bubble in his native Capuy in Sorsogon City. The training activity violated Covid-19 pandemic guidelines among them the protocols on travel and for individuals aged 20 and below to stay at home. Most of the players are below 20.

“I will forever be grateful to coach Ayo because if not for him, I won’t be able to be where I am today,” Nonoy added in his lengthy post.

Nonoy and Cuajao were scheduled to meet Green Archers chief backer and presidential sonin-law Atty. Manases “Mans” Carpio to finalize details on their transfer to De La Salle.

Ayo resigned as UST coach last September 4 with the UAAP sanctioning him with an indefinite ban from all league events and activities.