THE fallout from the controversial training camp that the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers allegedly held in Sorsogon during the quarantine period continued on Monday morning, September 14, after one of its stalwarts — reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Rookie of the Year Mark Nonoy — bid farewell to the school and the community.
The left-handed spitfire guard confirmed this with a message that he posted on his social media account.
"Nagpapasalamat po ako ng buong puso sa buong UST community na binigyan niyo po ako ng opportunity na ipakita po kung anong galing meron ako, and I'm very thankful sa lahat ng coaching staff lalong lalo na po kay coach Aldin Ayo na nagtiwala kumuha sa 'kin mula sa province to Manila (I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the UST community that gave me an opportunity to showcase whatever talent I have and I’m thankful to the coaching staff especially to coach Aldin Ayo who believed in me enough to get me from the province and bring me to Manila)," Nonoy said.
Nonoy and another UST teammate, Deo Cuajao, are reportedly headed to the De La Salle University Green Archers. The two are the latest Growling Tigers to leave UST’s lair for other schools in the wake of the controversy of the training camp the team held in Sorsogon, which violated the government’s health protocols.
Former team captain CJ Cansino has since left UST for UP, while Rhenz Abando, Brent Paraiso and Ira Bataller have jumped ship to NCAA team Letran.
After serving a one-year residency period, Nonoy is expected to add even more firepower to a La Salle backcourt that already has former San Beda ace Evan Nelle and Cebuano guard Isaiah Blanco-Hontiveros. Nonoy averaged 11.11 points, 3.83 rebounds, and 2.78 assists per game during his freshman year. (JNP)