By Kristel Satumbaga
The University of the Philippines Maroons are getting tougher and taller.
That’s because the Maroons finally came to terms with the 6-foot-5 Bismarck Lina, making the Katipunan-based school deeper and more formidable.
This was confirmed by UP coach Bo Perasol who expressed delight with the addition of Lina to the team.
“Bismarck is going to be part of the Season 84 team. A young man with great fighting attitude and potential,” said Perasol of Lina.
Lina, 19, is the latest player to leave the Tigers’ lair after the team has been put into the spotlight following former UST coach Aldin Ayo’s decision to hold a training bubble in Sorsogon during quarantine.
The Sorsogon quarantine led to Ayo’s resignation and the departure of several key players.
At UP, Lina will be reunited with former UST teammate CJ Cansino .
Cansino was the first to leave UST after he was reportedly removed from the squad.
Ira Bataller, Brent Paraiso and Rhenz Abando also left and are now with the Letran Knights, while Jun Asuncion moved to Mapua. Mark Nonoy and Deo Cuajao followed suit and transferred to La Salle.
A former member of the Gilas Pilipinas Youth squad, Lina committed to UST last February until the training bubble controversy put the Tigers in disarray.
