A familiar face has joined the Growling Tigers’ backcourt in LA Casinillo, who was recruited by former coach Aldin Ayo in 2020.
Casinillo will be part of a rebuilding Tigers team that is now under the mentorship of Jinino Manansala, the Tiger Cubs head coach he was supposed to play for during the cancelled UAAP Season 83.
“I chose UST dahil sa program of Coach Aldin, and I know that I have great mentors that will teach me skills both in basketball and life,” Casinillo told the Varsitarian.
Despite his resignation after the Sorsogon “bubble” scandal, Ayo provided the blueprint for the resurgence of UST’s basketball program.
For one, Manansala is a former assistant of his, and UST’s recruitment system has continued to foster and attract talent from the provinces.
Ayo recruited Casinillo in January 2020 during tryouts the UST basketball team held in Cebu.
Casinillo will be part of the Tigers’ point guard rotation that also includes Ayo recruits Paul Manalang and Joshua Fontanilla.
“I am really excited to play and most of all, meet my teammates and coaches. I only had a chance to speak with them virtually, and it would be great Ii could meet them personally,” Casinillo said.
“I am really excited and I know for a fact that we are a strong team. For now though, I will focus on getting better and improving my craft so I am more than ready when I get back home.”
Casinillo is currently in the UK, where he trains with his father, Leo, a member of the UST Tiger Cubs coaching staff.
“We also have games here, and I usually train with guys that are really tall and some that are really strong. Because of this, it will make me get used to playing against bigger guys since my height here in the UK is nothing compared to the ones I play with and against,” said the new recruit.
Said Manansala: “Tututukan naming mabuti kung ano ang meron siya at ano ang kulang. Aayusin namin lahat.” Rommel Bong R. Fuertes with reports from John Ezekiel J. Hirro
