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Rhenz Abando, Brent Paraiso and Ira Bataller have committed to joining the defending NCAA men’s basketball champions Letran Knights, sources told ESPN5.com on Monday.
The development comes after a controversial exodus of players caused by former UST team captain CJ Cansino and the resignation of head coach Aldin Ayo in the wake of the alleged bubble they had in Capuy, Sorsogon.
Letran would be Abando’s third varsity team, after playing for the Philippine College of Science and Technology in Pangasinan and the Growling Tigers. He was one of the brightest stars in UST’s UAAP season 82 campaign, averaging 11.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks.
Meanwhile, Brent Paraiso would finish his college career with Letran, also his third team. In his only year for UST, he averaged 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 19 games. Paraíso previously won a championship with the DLSU Green Archers under Ayo in season 79 in 2017.
Bataller started in 14 games last season for the Growling Tigers and averaged 1.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
NCAA rules state that red jersey years due to residency are not counted for transfers, meaning that Abando and Bataller can play for Letran for three seasons, while Paraíso can play for two. The source said that all three players can prepare for the Knights from season 96, provided they complete two semesters and if the season begins in mid-2021.
