Shooting guard Mario “Embons” Bonleon is set to join the Arellano University Chiefs in the NCAA after a turbulent two-year stint with the UST Growling Tigers.
Bonleon will be joined by his brother, Mario Emmanuel Bonleon II, who recently transferred to UST from the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals.
The 6’3″ Bonleon was once a promising member of the Growling Tigers despite norming only 4.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 16 games.
A wrist injury limited him to only three games last season.
Bonleon earlier complained of not getting enough playing time under new coach Boy Sablan.
“Gustong gusto nila (Arellano) sa akin. Sa UST ayaw nila sa akin pero kaya ko naman gumawa pala sa D-League kasi gusto ako ng coach,” Bonleon told the Varsitarian.
READ: Bonleon to miss next UAAP, cites ‘burnout’
He joined the AMA Titans in the PBA Developmental League alongside Tigers teammate Renzo Subido, who also took a break from the team.
READ: Subido to miss next UAAP
Bonleon, a sports and wellness management student, said he would get his transcript from UST and enroll in Arellano this week.
But he will have to sit out the rest of the year to comply with the NCAA’s residency rule.
“Gusto ko lang talaga maglaro. Na ma-redeem ang sarili ko and ma-showcase ang talent ko at makalaro ng PBA,” he said.
