LA Casinillo opens new chapter in basketball career

CEBU, Philippines —  Rising basketball star Leobert Andrew ‘LA’ Casinillo makes some noise in the sports world during this quarantine period after his shocking move to change uniform from Cebu’s Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles to the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Tiger Cubs in the prestigious UAAP based in Manila.

The 17-year-old Casinillo said he was recruited by UST head coach Aldin Ayo when the Tigers held a two-day tryout for their college and high school ballclubs last January at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

“I was one of their targets for recruitment,” said Casinillo, who was named season Most Valuable Player (MVP) for helping steer the Magis Eagles to the championship - their fifth since 2012 - of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) cage wars last year.

“LA is a great addition to the UST’s basketball program,” Ayo told Adrian Stewart Co of Panay News who first broke the news of Casinillo’s stunning transfer. “I first saw him when UST conducted a tryout in Cebu City early this year. He is still good for two to three years sa Tiger Cubs.”

Casinillo, whose father Leo hails from Cansaga, Consolacion but they now reside in Mandaue City, said he opted for UST because he feels that he’s in good hands under the basketball program of coach Ayo.

“I also chose UST because of its academic program. I prioritize my academics over my sport. In addition, I chose to transfer because of the situation here in Cebu. Since the CESAFI was cancelled, my family and I decided to try our luck in Manila,” said Casinillo.

“When I arrive in UST, I’ll make sure that I’ll contribute well through my basketball skills and hopefully my leadership skills in Ateneo will take effect in UST,” added the 6-foot-1 All-Star wingman.

Casinillo expressed his profound gratitude to his Magis Eagles family for being an integral part of what he is now today and for what he will become someday.

“To my Magis Eagles family, thank you for being with me all throughout my journey here in Cebu. To my classmates and friends, thank you so much for all of the wonderful memories that we made throughout the year. To my teammates, we’ve been through a hell of a ride through our practices, and it was all worth it. Thank you for all our memories that I’ll surely never forget,” said Casinillo.

“To my coaches:coach Rommel, coach Francis, coach JC, coach Helben, sir Nhoj and Doc Dejaño, thank you so much for believing in me and for motivating me to become a better player. Thank you to all the Magis Eagles community for your never ending support. I’ll always carry the blue blood within me.”

As Casinillo journeys through the new chapter in his hoop career, his Magis Eagles family wish him the best of luck.

“LA (Casinillo) has been with us since he was in Grade 6 and has always been an asset to the team, and we thank him for all his hard work and service. We wish him and his father all the best,” said SHS-Ateneo head coach Rommel Rasmo.