After Germy Mahinay’s move to the National University last summer, two more rookies from last season’s University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers squad have transferred as well.
Converted wingman Joshua Marcos is currently serving residency for the College of Saint Benilde Blazers. Meanwhile, point guard Toby Agustin is now with the Mapua University Cardinals.
During then UAAP Season 81 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Marcos averaged 3.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 12.8 minutes. On the other hand, Agustin 2.4 points and 2.4 rebounds in 9.0 minutes.
Though the two are grateful for the experience they had in UST, both had different reasons for transferring.
For Marcos, who graduated from La Salle Green Hills, the allure of reuniting with his former teammates like Unique Naboa and Kairl Belgica was just too hard to pass up.
“Alma mater ko kasi tsaka sa kanila talaga ako nag-first tryout. Tsaka nandun din kasi halos lahat ng teammates ko nung high school at nagka-reunion kami ngayon,” shared Marcos, who was part of the historic LSGH team that won the Season 93 tournament.
For his part, Agustin wanted to be part of Randy Alcantara’s rebuild. Agustin, a former JRU Light Bomber, found huge respect for Alcantara during their numerous encounters in the NCAA juniors division.
“Sobrang laking bagay para sa’kin na I’m with Coach Randy kasi nung high school ako, magkalaban kami. Hanggang ngayon na magkasama na kami, alam niya kung ano yung laro ko and kung ano kaya kong ibigay sa team,” Agustin admitted.
“Goal ko this time sa Mapua is to show talaga kung anong meron ako.”
The two have to sit out one year before making their debut in the NCAA Season 96 Seniors Basketball tournament. And the two good friends can’t wait to see each other on the court next season.
“Oo naman, excited. Alam ko na magiging maganda yung match-up kung sakali ‘pag nagkita ulit kami, just like nung high school,” said the ex-Light Bomber about the former Greenie.
“Siyempre excited. Teammate[s] kami for one year at naging close friends,” said Marcos on the other hand about his batchmate.
“Sana maging maganda yung laro ‘pag nag-meet kami.”
