University of Santo Tomas got a much-needed boost after absorbing a dampener last Sunday when Kean Baclaan left for National University.
Kenji Duremdes committed to join the Growling Tigers on Monday evening, joining brother Kylle Magdangal and best friend Echo Laure.
For Duremdes, it was a no-brainer to go to UST. After all, playing with Magdangal has always been “the dream.”
“I chose UST because I think it’s the best place for me to grow as a player,” the 6-foot-2 winger told Tiebreaker Times.
“It also helped that my brother and Echo are there. Actually, yun yung biggest factor why I went to UST.”
Duremdes is also a good friend of incoming sophomore Nic Cabanero.
Six-foot-five Echo, meanwhile, went to UST to continue the family legacy which was started by his sisters EJ and Eya.
The trio has been playing in the US since the pandemic with Duremdes and Magdangal going to Marina High.
Duremdes and Laure previously studied at Nazareth School-National University. They were part of the team that swept UAAP Season 82.
“It really helped me a lot kasi it made me stronger not just as a player but also as a person. We were there during the pandemic and we got to play there as well,” Duremdes said about his and his brother’s experience in the US.
“There sa US, I learned how to be independent. Malaking tulong talaga siya in my growth as a person.”
Duremdes can’t wait to finally represent the black and gold come UAAP Season 85.
And he vows that he, his brother, and his good pal will go all-out in every game for UST.
“We will always give our best para sa school. Paglalaban namin yung UST every game.”
