Rhenz Abando, Brent Paraiso, and Ira Bataller have committed to join the defending NCAA men's basketball champions Letran Knights, sources told ESPN5.com on Monday.
The development comes after a controversial exodus of players triggered by former UST team captain CJ Cansino and the resignation of head coach Aldin Ayo in the wake of the alleged bubble they held in Capuy, Sorsogon.
Letran would be Abando's third collegiate team, after playing for the Philippine College of Science and Technology in Pangasinan and the Growling Tigers. He was one of the brightest stars in UST's UAAP Season 82 campaign, averaging 11.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.
Meanwhile, Brent Paraiso would be ending his collegiate career with Letran, also his third team. In his lone year for UST, he put up averages of 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 19 games. Paraiso previously won a championship with the DLSU Green Archers under the guidance of Ayo in Season 79 in 2017.
Bataller started in 14 games last season for the Growling Tigers and tallied averages of 1.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.
NCAA rules state that redshirt years due to residency are not counted for transferees, meaning Abando and Bataller can suit up for Letran for three seasons, while Paraiso can play for two. The source said the three players can suit up for the Knights as early as Season 96, as long as they complete two semesters and if the season starts in the middle of 2021.