MANILA – Playing for his idol coach Aldin Ayo was the main reason why Bacolodnon cager Leobert Andrew “LA” Casinillo chose to join the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Cubs.
The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles star guard Casinillo told Panay News over the weekend there are other giant Manila-based schools recruiting him but Ayo’s basketball program is something he just can’t reject.
“Playing in (the) UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) is an opportunity I can’t pass up,” Casinillo said. “I chose UST because of its basketball program, academics and most especially because I’m sure that I’m in good hands with Coach Aldin Ayo.”
Casinillo – 19th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men’s basketball tournament High School Division Most Valuable Player awardee – said he has committed to UST as early as February after the Tigers coach talked to the Bacolodnon’s parents last January.
“It started when UST conducted their tryout for both the men’s and high school teams in Cebu City,” Casinillo said. “I was one of their targets.”
“Opportunities come and go as they say. But since the CESAFI cancelled its 2020 season, my family decided that I should try my luck in Manila,” he added.
Ayo, for his part, said that the six-foot-one Casinillo is a welcome addition to UST’s high school team which will have Jinino Manansala as the new head coach in the upcoming UAAP season.
“LA (Casinillo) is a great addition to the UST’s basketball program,” said Ayo. “I first saw him when UST conducted a tryout in Cebu City early this year. He is still good for two to three years sa Tiger Cubs.”
“But since magka-align na ang program ng UST juniors and seniors team, it is also like a preparation for LA sa UST Tigers. May pwesto na siya sa seniors team ng UST,” he added.
Casinillo will join the loaded Tiger Cubs team led by Philippine Basketball Association veteran Mike Cortez’s son Jacob, Rojan Montemayor, John Javier, Zane Jalbuena, and Mohammad Gunting./PN
