Former NCAA stars Rhayyan Amsali, James Una transfer to UST

Two former NCAA stars have decided to jump ship as Rhayyan Amsali and James Una transferred to University of Santo Tomas to play in the UAAP.

Returning head coach Pido Jarencio welcomed the two rising stars on Thursday as the Growling Tigers started their rebuilding program.

"Malaking dagdag sila sa binubuo namin dito sa UST," said the outspoken mentor in a statement.

The 22-year-old Amsali previously played for San Beda University in NCAA Season 97, but decided to skip Season 98 due to a sabbatical leave. He was a product of San Beda juniors program, which he helped steer to the NCAA Season 95 title in 2019 alongside other budding cagers Yukien Andrada, Tony Ynot, and Justine Sanchez.

In one season with the Red Lions, the 6-foot-4 big man averaged 5.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in 15 minutes of play.

"Alam natin 'yung laro ng bata. China-challenge namin siya na mailabas ulit 'yung pinakita niyang galing sa high school at makatulong dun sa rebuild na ginagawa namin dito," said Jarencio.

Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Una is coming off a solid rookie year for San Sebastian in NCAA Season 98 where he posted norms of 3.9 points and 3.6 rebounds as the Stags finished at fifth spot with an 8-10 card.

"Napakasipag na bata ni James at 'yun ang inaasahan namin sa kanya, na madala niya 'yung tapang niya dito sa UST," Jarencio said.

Both Amsali and Una will serve one-year residencies before being allowed to play come UAAP Season 87, where they can play three more years for the Growling Tigers.

—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA Integrated News