The University of Santo Tomas’ (UST) loss is the University of the Philippines ‘ (UP) gain as Tiger Cubs star Bismarck Lina is reneging on his commitment to the Growling Tigers and will be joining the Fighting Maroons.

Lina is the latest UST player to bolt the school’s basketball program in light of the controversial training camp the team allegedly held in Sorsogon during the quarantine period. Aside from head coach Aldin Ayo, who tendered his resignation, seven other players led by promising star Rhenz Abando and former team skipper CJ Cansino has already transferred to other schools.

Lina’s addition bolsters what already is a loaded recruitment haul for UP. The 6-foot-4 big man averaged a double-double for UST last season, leading the Tiger Cubs with averages of 16.6 points and 10.9 rebounds. His efforts earned him a spot on the high school Mythical Five team.

The 19-year old committed to join UST’s collegiate squad back in February but the uncertainty surrounding the team in the wake of the controversial Sorsogon sojourn forced the youngster to rethink his options.

This eventually brought him to UP where he will be playing with familiar faces in Cansino and fellow Gilas youth team teammates Carl Tamayo, RC Calimag and Gerry Abadiano.(JNP)