Despidida: Despi Departs UE, Joins UST

Dylan Despi is headed back to España.

UST team manager Eric Ang and Despi’s manager, Anthony Brodett of Phenom Sports Management, confirmed to ALL-STAR that the former UE Red Warriors guard has transferred to the UST Growling Tigers.

Despi will serve one year of residency before becoming eligible to play for UST beginning UAAP Season 90 in 2027. He is expected to have two years of playing eligibility left with the Growling Tigers.

The move brings Despi back to a program he had already been connected to earlier in his career. In 2023, the Bacolod guard committed to the UST Tiger Cubs after making a name for himself with Bacolod Tay Tung High School.

At the time, he was considered one of the promising young guards from the province, with several Manila-based programs showing interest in him.

Despi later found his way to UE, where he became part of the Red Warriors’ young core under head coach Chris Gavina in UAAP Season 88.

Although UE struggled throughout the season, Despi became one of the bright spots for the Red Warriors. He showed flashes as a guard who could score, create for teammates, and defend at the point of attack.

One of his best performances came ironically against UST, when he finished with 17 points, seven assists, and five rebounds in a loss to the Growling Tigers.

He also had 11 points, seven assists, and five steals against NU, giving UE another glimpse of what he could provide with more responsibility.

Before his UAAP seniors stint, Despi also suited up for Phenom Bluefire in the NBTC Wild Card and Manila Live tournaments.

For UST, the addition of Despi gives the Growling Tigers another young guard to develop for the future. He will not be available immediately, but his arrival gives the program another piece to look forward to as it continues to build its roster beyond the current season.