Bismarck Lina shifts commitment to UP

Bismarck Lina with UPMBT head coach Bo Perasol and manager Agaton Uvero.

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Bismarck Lina is set to transfer to the University of the Philippines.

The six-foot-five forward confirmed on Monday that he took back his commitment to the University of Santo Tomas amid the drama surrounding the school's alleged bubble in Capuy, Sorsogon and is taking his talents to Diliman.

“It is really hard on my part to leave UST. But all I can say is that I’m really thankful to the UP Fighting Maroons for giving me another home. I can’t wait to work and compete alongside them,” Lina said.

The former Tiger Cub initially assured his stay at UST for college and looked poised to even be included in the Growling Tigers' UAAP Season 83 lineup.

However, the alleged bubble, which was revealed following CJ Cansino's shock transfer to UP, sparked the demise of the once promising UST roster way before the season began, and Lina was the latest to leave.

Meanwhile, Coach Bo Perasol said that Lina's transfer to UP is just a matter of formality.

"He is already processing his transfer from UST to UP. He’s just working on some papers and documents to complete his transfer," Perasol said.

Although he is fresh from high school, the 19-year-old Lina will have to redshirt Season 83 as he only got to shift commitment after the first semester began on Sept. 10.

While only becoming eligible by Season 84, Lina will enjoy the maximum of five playing years for the Fighting Maroons.

Aside from getting to play alongside Cansino after all, Lina will reunite with Gilas Pilipinas Youth teammates Carl Tamayo, Gerry Abadiano, RC Calimag, and James Spencer.

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