Just when the University of Santo Tomas finally gained momentum with back-to-back UAAP men’s basketball Final Four appearances, a major void emerged at the heart of the storied program’s resurgence.
Forthsky Padrigao and Kyle Paranada, the Growling Tigers’ backcourt duo, exhausted their eligibility in Season 88, leaving a huge gap in orchestrating the team’s offense.
UST recruited incoming rookie point guards Henry Suico and Kirk Cañete to help address that need, while also bringing in one-and-done floor general Donovan Sevilla from San Ramon, California.
While inexperience could be a concern for the two newcomers from the high school ranks, that would not be the case for the 24-year-old Sevilla.
“Just trying to give my best effort and just hope it works out for the best. As long as I give my best effort, that’s all I could ask myself for, so just trying to control what I can,” said Sevilla on Saturday after UST secured a semifinals berth in the NSAC College Basketball Campus Tour with an 86-84 escape over Ateneo de Manila University.
“I hope to bring some experience in the US playing college basketball back there, and defensive energy. Other than that, just put in the effort every game.”
(C) Asiabasket
Sevilla spent his first four years in the US NCAA Division III school Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he earned multiple individual recognitions, including the 2023 NEWMAC Defensive Player of the Year award.
He later transferred to Division II school Sonoma State University before making the move to the Philippines.
Although the adjustment has not been easy, Sevilla vowed to work double time to meet the expectations of UST coach Pido Jarencio and the rest of the community, especially with such a vital role tied to the team’s success.
Other guards in the Growling Tigers’ roster include Mur Alao, Ivanne Calum, and Kurt Laput.
“It’s been challenging in some aspects for sure, definitely trying to work through all that and just keep my head down, keep working,” he said.
“Overall, it’s been a great experience being out here.”
