EMBONS Bonleon is staying with University of Santo Tomas but made it clear he will still not be playing for the Growling Tigers this season.
Bonleon, who quit the team after claiming some players pay to get more playing time under coach Boy Sablan, said he decided to stay after several UST alumni spoke to him following reports he is set to transfer to Arellano after playing for two seasons with the Growling Tigers.
[See After unceremonious UST exit, Embons Bonleon reportedly set to join Arellano Chiefs]
"I have decided to stay in UST because I love UST very much. At the same time, a lot of alumni are requesting me to stay. I want to be a Thomasian through and through," said Bonleon.
The 22-year-old Bonleon also said his younger brother and former Emilio Aguinaldo College cager Noel will also remain with UST.
[See UST coach Boy Sablan refuses to dignify Bonleon claim: 'The truth will come out']
Even though he is staying and will enroll for the coming academic year for UST, the 6-foot-2 Bonleon said he will still sit out for the Growling Tigers for the coming UAAP season.
"I'm very thankful to the alumni for their support as they were the ones who encouraged me to stay," said Bonleon.
[See UST assistant coach, captain deny players' upheaval over alleged Boy Sablan outburst]
Bonleon, who previously player for University of the East, suited up for the Growling Tigers for the past two seasons, but left the team and made controversial remarks a few months ago against how UST head coach Boy Sablan handled the team.
Sablan denied Bonleon's statements and added the truth will eventually come out.
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