Ateneo de Manila University has secured major commitments for its volleyball and basketball programs as two University of Santo Tomas high school standouts, Paolo Medino and Carl Manding, announced their move to the Blue Eagles.
Medino, a standout outside hitter from the UST Tiger Cubs, and Manding, a reliable wing scorer from the Tiger Cubs basketball team, have both pledged to suit up for Ateneo, continuing their athletic and academic journeys in Loyola Heights.
The duo played key roles in their respective teams’ championship runs in UAAP Season 87, helping UST clinch titles in both boys’ volleyball and basketball.
Medino, who was named the Best Outside Spiker in UAAP Season 86, finished Season 87 with averages of 13.5 points per match and a 38.07% spiking success rate, ranking him sixth-best in the league.
He bid an emotional farewell to the Golden Spikers through a heartfelt message on social media.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“As my senior high school journey ended today, my heart is full of gratitude to the University of Santo Tomas,” Medino wrote. “The honor of playing for the Black and Gold will forever be a privilege.”
“To the UST community, thank you for welcoming me, supporting me, and loving me. You’re not just a community, you’ll always be a family to me. With happiness in my heart, peace in my soul, and hope for everything that lies ahead, a chapter closes with that. Onto the next.”
Meanwhile, on the basketball side, Manding is a promising addition to Ateneo’s rebuilding core under Coach Tab Baldwin.
Averaging 8.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in Season 87, the 6-foot-1 wing was a reliable two-way presence for the Tiger Cubs during their championship campaign.
In his commitment statement, Manding expressed gratitude to UST while also looking forward to his future with the Blue Eagles.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“I have completed a major milestone in my young life today as I graduate from Senior High School. As I take this next step in my journey, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the University of Santo Tomas and its incredibly supportive community. UST will always hold a special place in my heart,” Manding said.
“Now, with everything I’ve learned and everything I’ve been through, I step forward with courage and faith and it is with great pride and humility that I announce that I am committing to continue my journey as a true student-athlete at the Ateneo de Manila University and to play for the Blue Eagles under Coach Tab Baldwin,” he continued.
“I sincerely thank Ateneo, Coach Tab, and the entire Ateneo community for trusting, accepting, and giving me the chance to be part of the proud traditions of Ateneo basketball. I promise to represent the school with steadfast dedication, commitment and respect.”
