LYNDON Colina, the 2017 Cesafi All Star wingman, is back inside the Panthers’ lair after deciding to make his way back to the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) a year after playing for the Naga College Foundation Tigers.
The dynamic 5-foot-10 guard made his return to USPF in the Minglanilla Mayor’s Cup Inter-Collegiate Christmas Basketball League.
“Home is where my heart is. I love USPF since they were the ones who really gave me the opportunity to be the player that I am today,” said Colina who averaged 15 points, two rebounds, an assist and a steal in 2017.
Colina revealed that he actually feels like a rookie at the moment, having to prove himself all over again to new head coach Brian Jereza who did not guarantee the guard a spot on the team.
“I may be 24 years old right now but I feel like a rookie,” said Colina, who added that he has a lot of work to do before he’s able to gain the trust of the Panthers.
“He has to work hard get that spot back before we can say that he’s really back,” said Jereza, adding “We have a lot of catching up to do. But we need a veteran so I hope that he can help.”
Although the Panthers still have Nigerian big man Rich Managor, the team will be losing veterans Roy Quiachon and JP Batac.