Rhenz Abando says 'thank you' to UST as Letran transfer looms

It seems like Rhenz Abando has just bid farewell to UST. Dennis Acosta (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Amid the ongoing transfer rumors regarding high-leaping Rhenz Abando, the swingman may have just bid farewell to the University of Santo Tomas.

"Thank you for your unending grace," Abando said via social media on Monday night.

He put a yellow heart emoji at the end of his tweet, while he posted a picture of one of UST's building in his Instagram story, signaling that it could be the end of the road for him as a Growling Tiger.

Discovered by no less than Coach Aldin Ayo while playing in Pangasinan, Abando impressed everyone by his tenacity and high-flying skills during what would now be a one-and-done stint with UST, helping the team make the UAAP finals last year.

However, Abando, like the rest of the Growling Tigers, are now embroiled in controversy following the revelation of an alleged training bubble in Ayo's hometown of Capuy, Sorsogon, which is prohibited under the joint administrative order regarding sports practices amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

UST is expected to submit its findings on its just concluded investigation on the Tigers during the UAAP board meeting set for Tuesday.

The revelation of the bubble took place just as they removed former captain CJ Cansino from the team.

Cansino's eventual transfer to the University of the Philippines sparked an exodus that saw Brent Paraiso and Ira Bataller, two other players that expressed concern regarding the bubble, also leaving UST.

A person privy of the situation told Dugout Philippines that Abando is now the next in line with Letran the likely destination.

The same source actually cited another player who may join Abando in Letran, but the Growling Tigers' official page said that the player is staying put at UST.

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