Mark Nonoy, Deo Cuajao also bid farewell to UST
Reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year Mark Nonoy and Deo Cuajao have confirmed their exit to Growling Tigers, making them the latest player to leave the squad in the wake of the Sorsogon training bubble controversy.
In an Instagram post on Monday, Nonoy expressed his gratitude to UST as well as to former head coach Aldin Ayo for giving him an opportunity to showcase his skills in the UAAP.
“Unang-una po sa lahat, nagpapasalamat po ako ng buong puso sa buong UST community, na binigyan ninyo 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 sa kay coach Aldin Ayo na nagtiwalang kumuha sa akin mula sa province to Manila at nagbigay sa akin ng kumpiyansa pag dating sa court at sa pag-guide niya sa akin kahit off the court upang maging mabuting tao,” Nonoy’s post stated.
As much as he loves UST, Nonoy said he has to leave for the sake of his own basketball career.
“Napakabigat man para sa loob ko, kinakailangan ko ng katiyakan sa aking career para makapag-focus ulit sa basketball. Dahil ilang weeks na akong binabagabag ng kung ano ang kahihinatnan ng atin team,” Nonoy said.
Cuajao also shared the same sentiments as Nonoy, wherein he stated that his basketball career was a driving force in his departure from the University.
“Hanggang sa huli, umaasa akong magkakaron ng linaw at maayos na patutunguhan ang team despite sa lahat ng pinagdaraanan namin. Ngunit hanggang ngayon walang tiyak na direksyon,” said Cuajao in his Instagram post.
“Mabigat man ang loob ko, kinakailangan ko na talaga magdesisyon at maghanap ng katiyakan para sa career ko dahil dito ko binubuo ang pangarap ko para sa pamilya ko,” he added.
While both players did not disclose as to what color they will be dawning, both Nonoy and Cuajao have been linked to a move to De La Salle University for the past few days.
Nonoy was the top rookie in Season 82 after averaging 10 points, 3.86 rebounds, and 2.29 assists, and playing a major role in UST’s stint in the Finals, while Cuajao only totaled 13 points in his season debut.
Former team captain CJ Cansino is set to play for the Fighting Maroons, while Rhenz Abando, Ira Bataller, and Brent Paraiso have jumped ship to the NCAA to play for Letran Knights.
