The next domino has fallen in España.
UST Growling Tigers stalwart Brent Paraiso has left the team in the midst of its legal issues.
Unlike ex-team captain CJ Cansino, however, the 6-foot-2 guard left the team willingly, a source told Rappler Sports.
Paraiso confirmed the development – first reported by Randolph Leongson of Spin.ph – on Twitter.
Nakakalungkot pero kailangan. Mahal na mahal kita UST 💛 https://t.co/HXpmOBRUvM
— Brent Paraiso (@brentparaiso) August 29, 2020
In his one and only season with UST, Paraiso averaged 7.1 points, 3.9 points, and 1.4 asissts in over 20 minutes per game as a key cog to the Tigers' magical run in the UAAP Season 82 finals, where they were swept by the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
This comes as another blow to a promising program built by embattled head coach Aldin Ayo, who is currently keeping a vow of silence until the government's investigation on his alleged "bubble" in Sorsogon was resolved.
As the investigation moved along, Paraiso's name was involved in a group chat leaked to Twitter by Cansino, who is now with the UP Fighting Maroons after his ouster from UST.
There, Paraiso was among the prominent players who complained to parents of their alleged poor living and eating conditions. His complaints were echoed by Cansino, reigning UAAP MVP Soulemane Chabi Yo, rising star Rhenz Abando, and incoming rookie Paul Manalang.
In accordance with house rules, the 22-year-old Paraiso will have no more playing years left if he transfers to another UAAP school.
He played under Ayo during their time with the La Salle Green Archers, where they won a championship in 2016.
Paraiso was then snagged in an earlier controversy involving current UP guard Ricci Rivero and his brother Prince, which led to his transfer to UST alongside Ayo in 2018. – Rappler.com