Former NU Bulldog LA Casinillo transfers to UPHSD Altas
Guard LA Casinillo has left National University and will join the University of Perpetual Help Altas in the NCAA, he confirmed on Friday, April 5.
Casinillo was in the Bulldogs’ roster for UAAP Season 86 but played sparingly because of NU’s loaded guard rotation. He believes he will find better opportunities to portray his potential and abilities with the Altas under the tutelage of new head coach Olsen Racela and PBA mentor Scottie Thompson.
“I’m very thankful that I was able to be part of the Bulldogs program; however, I believe that I have better opportunities at Perpetual. I also need a new place where I can grow better as a person in and out of the court,” Casinillo said, explaining his decision.
The Cebu native will have to sit out a year of residency in 2024 then will have three more years of playing eligibility beginning NCAA Season 101. He comes in with a handful of other talented recruits Racela and Thompson have accumulated since joining the Altas, such as former FEU wingman Patrick Sleat and former UE cagers JM Tulabut, Ray Allen Maglupay, plus Josh Alcantara.
“I’m very excited to play with everyone at Perpetual,” said Casinillo, who’s had an interesting journey. After initially joining UST’s high school squad, he temporarily moved to London where he honed his skills under the guidance of Bayanihan Elite. He had a promising offseason stint with NU prior to UAAP Season 85, but was deemed ineligible for the men’s basketball tournament after it was discovered he enrolled in a prior college.
“I’m very excited,” Casinillo said about what’s coming next for him, “because knowing Coach Olsen, he has great experience both as a player and as a coach. I also believe that I’ll be able to develop my skills and knowledge with Coach Joph Cleopas.”
Thompson, an MVP and champion in the PBA, not to mention a former Altas great himself, has promised Casinillo guidance both on and off the court as he looks to restart his college career.
“My ball handling,” Casinillo said about what he wants to improve the most. “I just need to improve my confidence and play without thinking too much.”
