Ayo gets key pieces as Cansino stays, NCAA Jrs stars join UST

Looking to replicate his fast-paced system implemented in Letran and La Salle, University of Santo Tomas coach Aldin Ayo has already started putting together the key pieces for his new-look Growling Tigers.

Ayo secured the services of CJ Cansino as the UAAP Season 80 Juniors Most Valuable Player decided to remain in España.

The do-it-all swingman averaged a league-best 24.6 points, 12.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 steals in his senior year for the Tiger Cubs, leading UST High School to the stepladder semifinals before falling to the NU Bullpups.

Cansino has been unwavering in his commitment to UST, shunning offers from other schools. “Got loyalty inside my DNA,” he said in a tweet.

Got loyalty inside my DNA. 🤷🏼‍♂️🐆 pic.twitter.com/Ra2MRDDiZB

— Cj Cansino (@cjcansino1) March 2, 2018

But Cansino was not the lone haul Ayo got from the high school ranks.

In a report of The Varsitarian, also joining the Growling Tigers next season are Mike Enriquez from Malayan High School, Joshua Marcos from La Salle Greenhills, and Toby Agustin and Kobe Caballero from JRU.

Enriquez was the NCAA Season 91 Juniors MVP and helped the Red Robins contend during his stay where they won the NCAA Season 92 juniors championship. His last two years in the high school ranks, however, was plagued with injuries as he saw Mapua lose to La Salle Greenhills this past season.

Cub ➡️ Tiger pic.twitter.com/dl3UC0N0kB

— Aldin (@AyoAV_official) March 5, 2018

Marcos, meanwhile, was a pivotal part of the Greenies’ historic title run this past NCAA Season 93, where he averaged 10.7 points.

On the other hand, Agustin, who averaged 16.3 markers and 7.5 rebounds in his senior year, and Caballero, who netted 14.3 points and 4.4 assists, were key cogs of the Light Bombers’ campaign this past season in a highly-competitive NCAA tournament.

The quintet’s arrival will be a big boost for UST’s campaign, which went 1-13 last season under coach Boy Sablan.

Marvin Lee, Jordan Sta. Ana, and the returning Renzo Subido will provide the leadership for the Growling Tigers’ guards this upcoming UAAP Season 81.