Ilonggo Sajonia bids farewell to FEU, transfers to San Beda

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

One of the most promising young guns in the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws roster just played his final season in the UAAP and is set to take his talents to the NCAA.

John Bryan Sajonia, the former Santa Clarita International School of Iloilo sniper who played for the Tamaraws during the last two UAAP men’s basketball tournament seasons, just transferred to the San Beda Red Lions confirmed last March 30, 2023.

Multiple sources then said that Sajonia already committed to the Red Lions last week and is expected to deliver right away to help San Beda reclaim their lost NCAA glory.

Sajonia quickly became one of the most reliable guards in FEU’s rotation and even grabbed the spotlight during their huge win against the UP Fighting Maroons at the 15th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup last year.

The combo guard became the Tamaraws’ unsung hero in the knockout match and dropped a team-high 16 points along with five rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

It was former FEU head coach Olsen Racela who tasked Sajonia’s bigger role with the team after kicking off the UAAP Season 85 with a bang.

Despite failing to punch another playoff ticket, Sajonia made a huge leap from his rookie year and averaged 11.17 points, 4.17 rebounds, 1.67 assists, and 1.58 steals per game in his sophomore season.

Sajonia will still serve a one-year residency before acquiring his eligibility to play for the Red Lions. The Ilonggo scorer will then be activated come the NCAA Season 100 and will have three more years of availability.

The six-foot guard will be forming a 1-2 punch with former UP Fighting Maroons center Bismarck Lina who will also sit out one year due to residency requirements.