MANILA, Philippines – On Monday night, University of Santo Tomas said goodbye to two of its seniors. 

Sherwin Concepcion and Bryan Santos have been advised by the Growling Tigers’ coaching staff, led by Bal David, that they will not be permitted to compete in the next UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Tournament. 

Players with the Growling Tigers took to social media to thank their elders.

Before the season had started, both players were already 25 years old because Santos turned 25 last May 26 and Concepcion was born on January 23, 1997. 

For UST, losing an experienced player for the season is a major setback.

Last season, 6-foot-2 sharpshooter Concepcion averaged 10.64 points and 5.5 rebounds. He led UST to victory in the 33 tournament and was recognized as the MVP.

Santos, a 6-foot-5 stretch forward, impressed during the preseason, scoring 10.4 points and 4.3 rebounds in the Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup while averaging 8.9 points and 7.7 rebounds in the PBA D-League. 

The Growling Tigers had a difficult off-season as they had previously lost Kean Baclaan to National University and Dave Ando to Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 33. 

With Kyle Madrigal, Echo Laure, Kenji Duremdes, and other young players on the team, UST will now look to sophomore Nic Cabanero to serve as their captain. 

Adama Faye, a large man, is also coming back to UST. 

On October 1, Season 85 will start.