Former CSB Blazer Michael Mara transfers to UST
Michael Mara, a 6-foot-5 forward who played one season with the CSB Blazers, has transferred to the UST Growling Tigers, he confirmed to All-Star Magazine on Saturday, May 25.
Mara was lined-up for CSB in NCAA Season 99 last year. He will now have to sit out 2024 for residency before making his UAAP debut in black, gold, and white come Season 88. It will be the first of his three eligible playing years.
“I left CSB before the FilOil tournament started,” Mara explained in na exclusive interview
“The decision was not merely about leaving CSB. It was driven by my desire for progression and advancement. It’s always been about seeking change, which, in this case, means shifting my mindset and finding better opportunities. I discovered such an opportunity by transferring to the UAAP. Together with my family and management, we explored our options, saw a window of opportunity, and now I am seizing the chance presented to me by UST.”
Mara said he received an invitation to join DLSU and two other unnamed UAAP programs, but felt becoming a Growling Tiger is the best path for his career. He has already played for UST in off-season tune-ups and continues his development as a college basketball player in practices. Furthermore, he’s training with Phenom Championship Clinic, a development program and his representation.
“UST offers exceptional academic programs and has a strong reputation in sports, particularly basketball. The opportunity to train with top-notch facilities and experienced coaches, while being part of a competitive and supportive community, is what I’m looking forward to,” Mara stated.
He admitted it was difficult depart from the College of St. Benilde. He won a championship as a Blazer in the 2024 Pinoyliga Next Man Cup tourney.
“It was tough to say goodbye to Coach Charles and CSB. Coach Charles has been an amazing mentor, and leaving the tight-knit team at CSB was hard. The support and friendships I built there mean a lot to me, but I felt that moving to UST was the right step for my personal and athletic development.”
Mara is a versatile forward who can play both in the perimeter and inside the paint. He requires more fine-tuning in his overall game.
He hopes to further attain that through the mentorship of UST head coach Pido Jarencio, assistant coach Juno Sauler, and the rest of their deep staff. The Growling Tigers continue to stock up on talent and are poised to be Final Four contenders for the foreseeable future in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.
