Ni Marivic Awitan

NABIGLA at nalungkot ang koponan ng Marinerong Pilipino sa biglaang desisyon ng University of Santo Tomas na pigilang maglaro si guard Renzo Subido sa kasalukuyang PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.

Katunayan hindi na naglaro para sa Skippers sa nakaraang huling laro nila sa elimination round at sa unang laro nila sa semifinals noong nakaraang Martes kung saan natalo sila sa Zark’s-Lyceum,, 87-90 sa overtime.

“UST’s decision is baffling,” pahayag ng Marinero management sa inilabas nilang statement.. “Why pull the plug now?

'Pikon daw?' UAAP fan na nag-dirty finger, agaw-eksena sa San Juan Arena!

“Why didn’t they stop Subido from joining the Marinero lineup before the tournament to be fair to the team?” anila.

Matatandaang ang Marinero ang kumupkop kay Subido sa loob ng isang taon noong nakalipas na UAAP Season 80 kung saan hindi ito isinama sa line-up ng Tigers.

“For one reason or another, Renzo Subido took a leave from the UST team last year and was playing in what may be considered a minor team in the PBA-D League when Marinerong Pinoy took him in,” nakasaad sa statement. “[We] gave him high-caliber training, and made him their starting point guard. He was one of the sparks for the Marineros’ strong showing in the D-League’s current season which brought them to the semifinal round.”

Umaasa ang pamunuan ng Marinero na pahahalagahan ni Subido ang commitment nito sa Skippers.

“Marinero has a strong chance at the championship. If Subido continues to play with the team, UST will be getting back a highly improved, skilled player,” ayon pa sa pamunuan ng Skippers. “If anything, Subido will have been sharpened and more seasoned in the game because of Marinero.”

“But with UST’s decision to inhibit Subido from playing in the remaining couple of weeks, the Marineros will be losing a mainstay of the team and possibly a chance at the trophy, not to mention the pride and joy felt by thousands of Filipino seafarers around the world who follow the exploits of their team.”