Lina joining Cansino in UP camp?

MANILA, Philippines — After luring CJ Cansino, University of the Philippines may catch another UST Tiger in versatile 6-foot-5 forward Bismarck Lina.

No less than Fighting Maroons head coach Bo Perasol admitted the ongoing negotiations with the former high school standout, affirming rumors that have been ongoing since the UST exodus started last month.

“We’re still in the middle of talks with Bismarck. Just in case he commits to us, he will be part of the Season 84 team,” Perasol told The STAR.

“Most of our big men are either in their last season or has two more years of eligibility. Just in case, Bismarck will be part of our frontline in years to come.”

A Batang Gilas Pilipinas product coming off a solid 16.6-point, 10.0-rebound average in his final year in juniors play, Lina had committed to continue playing for UST in the seniors division before the Sorsogon bubble issue erupted.

Should the talks with UP push through, Lina’s transfer would hike the number of UST player departures to eight.

After Cansino’s exit, Rhenz Abando, Ira Bataller and Brent Paraiso followed suit with a group transfer to Letran, Jun Asuncion went to Mapua while Mark Nonoy and Deo Cuajao jumped to La Salle.