University of Santo Tomas just got a whole lot bigger.
Coming off the disbandment of Technological Institute of the Philippines’ varsity teams, the Growling Tigers gave big men Bryan Santos and Ivan Santos (not related) a new home.
The development was first reported by Randolph Leongson of SPIN.ph.
“Undersized ang mga bigs namin, kaya welcome sa amin ang ganitong mga recuits. ‘Yung ibang bigs namin, makaka-slide na sila sa three-spot,” said UST head coach Aldin Ayo.
Safe to say, Bryan is the more impressive of the two.
Bryan, who stands at 6-foot-5, posted norms of 16.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game during the Engineers’ semis finish in the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup.
Meanwhile, 6-foot-6 Ivan is his partner-in-crime, averaging 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per contest.
However, the two could not power TIP to a Final Four finish in their mother league UCBL.
The two will be eligible to play in Season 84.
TIP head coach Potit De Vera has also posted on Facebook that other colleges and universities can recruit his boys, giving them a glowing recommendation.
The rest of the Engineers looking for a varsity team are 1996-born Christian Daguro, Kyle Primo, and Papa N’Diaye; 97’s GC Carurucan, Jayson Jimenez, and John Lexter; 98’s Jopet Soriano, Marlon Navarro, Mark Christian Miguel Yu, and Prince Casin; 99’s Ximone Sandagon, Rap Sena, Kenz Diokno, Marl Defante, John Matthew Manalang, and Kyle Ramilo; 00’s Warren Calara, RV Yanes, Felix Corpuz, and Richmond King; and 01’s Jhon Arthur Calisay.