The UST Drama Continues: Abando, Bataller Leave Espana

"And it looks like (they) won't be returning especially Rhenz." That's what one of the sources is saying who said that two Tigers have left Espana last Sunday.

Unfortunately for the fans of the Growling Tigers, one of those players is Rhenz Abando. The other one is Ira Bataller.

Abando's name has been popping in the chatters as he is rumored to be leaving the University of Santo Tomas for its sister team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA): the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights. While Abando was reportedly poached by other schools in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) midway through Season 82, it was eventually resolved and Abando and the Growling Tigers surpassed expectations by finishing as runner-up to the eventual champions Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles.

Fast forward to 2020 when UST is now facing uncertainties with the alleged "bubble" training that the team had been holding in Sorsogon got exposed after the abrupt departure of former team captain, CJ Cansino. When Cansino left for another UAAP team, everyone expected the rest of the pack to follow suit as a one-year ban for the school is still up in the air. More than a week after Cansino left, Brent Paraiso confirmed in a tweet that he has already left Espana as he posted "It's very sad but it's needed"

And now, the rumor surrounding Rhenz Abando is no longer a rumor as sources are now saying that the 22-year old is no longer returning to UST after packing his bags last Sunday. There's no clarity as to where Abando, in particular, would play next as if he chooses to play for another UAAP team, he will only have one playing year left. If he moves to a non-UAAP team, Abando will be able to play for two more years. Either way, he will have to sit out a one-year residency. 

On his Facebook page, Rhenz Abando posted "Thank you for the unending grace!!!" 

The dominoes continue to fall for the Growling Tigers and with them facing uncertainties due to their "bubble" trouble, the UST drama is far from over.

Photo is from Rappler