University of Santo Tomas high school standout Carl Manding has decommitted from Ateneo de Manila University and is returning to España, Growling Tigers team manager Waiyip Chong confirmed to Tiebreaker Times on Monday afternoon.
Manding, who played a key role in the Tiger Cubs’ UAAP Season 87 title campaign, initially committed to Ateneo after high school.
However, he has since decided to reunite with UST and rejoin head coach Pido Jarencio’s program due to personal reasons, according to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation.
It has been a whirlwind few months for the Gilas Youth member.
Even before his brief commitment to the Blue Eagles, Manding was initially set to stay at UST alongside high school teammates Koji Buenaflor and Charles Bucsit, formalizing his intent last April 19.
That plan shifted when he chose to explore opportunities in Katipunan.
(C) Carl Manding
All indications pointed to Manding being part of Ateneo’s long-term plans, having joined the team on pre-season training camps in Macau and Spain.
However, uncertainty over securing a spot in Ateneo’s final lineup for UAAP Season 88 led the 6-foot-2 winger to reconsider.
He has now opted to return to UST, where he will join a deep and talented core that includes Forthsky Padrigao, Nic Cabanero, Ice Danting, Kyle Paranada, Leland Estacio, Ivanne Calum, Mur Alao, and Bucsit.
A source close to the situation revealed that Manding has already begun training with the Growling Tigers as early as last week.
His transfer paperwork is currently being processed, with plans to finalize his enrollment ahead of UST’s opening of classes on Thursday, August 7.
Since Manding did not suit up for Ateneo in any official UAAP games, he retains his full five-year eligibility for the collegiate level.
In his senior year with the Tiger Cubs, the 19-year-old averaged 8.15 points and 5.69 rebounds per game.
