University of Santo Tomas has secured commitments from two prospects, with Mark Llemit and Jun Melecio choosing to join the Growling Tigers.
“Exciting para sa amin yung addition nitong dalawang rookies. Mas lalalim yung guard rotation namin at mas titindi yung competition dito,” said Growling Tigerscoach Pido Jarencio.
Llemit, an 18-year-old 6-foot-3 winger from Laak, Davao de Oro, led the Tiger Cubs to a Final Four stint this past UAAP Season 85. He averaged 16.27 points, 8.27 rebounds, 2.73 assists, and 2.53 steals in 28 minutes.
He placed 19th in the NBTC high school rankings and also steered UST to the Division 1 semifinals in the Smart-NBTC National Finals.
On the other hand, Melecio, also 18, is the younger brother of Converge guard Aljun Melecio.
The 6-foot playmaker from Valencia City, Bukidnon, had a solid run for La Salle Zobel, posting 8.46 points, 2.85 rebounds, 2.15 assists, and 1.23 steals in 20 minutes.
Both are eligible to play for UAAP Season 86 and will have their full five playing years. And this early, they feel excited to contribute to this new chapter in España.
“Sobrang excited ako kasi dito ako nagsimula. Gusto ko kung saan ako nagsimula, doon din ako sa next level,” said Llemit, who follows the footsteps of Kevin Ferrer, CJ Cansino, and Mark Nonoy as former Tiger Cubs who progressed to the collegiate division.
Melecio, for his part, echoed those sentiments and said, “Gagawin ko lahat dito. Kung paano ko minahal yung La Salle, ganoon din yung nafi-feel ko sa UST. Kaya motivated ako na gawin yung best ko to help UST win as much games as possible.”
