LA Casinillo, a heady 6-foot guard out of Bacolod City, has transferred to the University of Perpetual Help System-DALTA after suiting up for National University (NU).

The 2019 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. Juniors Most Valuable Player shared with GMA Regional TV News what made him decide to commit to the Las Piñas-based school.

“I played for NU and then after two years parang walang nangyayari… nag-contact si Coach Olsen [Racela] sa parents ko through a mutual friend so ayun I decided to commit kasi knowing Coach Olsen and may support siya from Scottie [Thompson],” Casinillo said.

According to Casinillo, Racela already tried to recruit him a few years ago after his high school days with the Sacred Heart School - Ateneo de Cebu where he won a championship.

“It started two years ago na, 2022, before ako nag-commit sa NU, kinuha ako ni Coach Olsen but by that time naka-commit na ako sa NU,” he added.

Casinillo will be available to showcase his wares in NCAA Season 101 after serving residency.

“Individually, kailangan ko magpalakas, improve my speed, shooting and all of that, and syempre yung main goal talaga is to bring back Perpetual on top,” he said on his goals after committing to Perpetual.

Apart from Racela, Casinillo also looks forward to playing under NCAA legend and Perpetual Altas team manager Scottie Thompson whom he idolized.

“Very inspiring talaga kasi hindi yan basta-basta, Scottie Thompson yan eh, he is actually one of the guys that I looked up to,” Casinillo said about Thompson.

Right from the get go, Perpetual made Casinillo feel at home as he continued to get a new lease of life on his collegiate career.

“I was very welcomed sa first practice ko pa lang, sobrang close ko na sa mga teammates ko, yung mga kulitan, I really felt at home talaga.”

He will also be reunited with his fellow Bacolodnon and newly named Perpetual Altas team captain, Nathaniel Sevilla, who fondly lent him his practice jersey during his maiden practice with the team.