FIL-AM center Sage Tolentino has chosen to suit up for Auburn University in the US NCAA division I.
The 7-foot Tolentino said the Tigers’ “core traditions” sealed it.
“My family and I have prayed about this day since I was a kid. I am beyond blessed and I give God all the Glory,” Tolentino said late Thursday night on his Instagram account @sagee23_.
“Auburn University’s core traditions are passion and spirit and they are exactly the program I want to spend my time at developing at the next level. It’s great to be an Auburn Tiger. War Eagle!” he added.
A Gilas Pilipinas prospect, Tolentino, 16, averaged 13.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks last season in leading Maryknoll High School to back-to-back State Championships in Hawaii.
Aside from Auburn, among the other schools that have expressed interest in Tolentino were Kentucky, Kansas, Tennessee State, and Cincinnati.
The Bruce Pearl-mentored Tigers, who produced NBA great Charles Barkley, were ranked 20th in the US last season and finished with a 12-6 record in the Southeastern Conference and 25-6 overall.
The US NCAA season was called off for good last March due to the health risks and uncertainties brought about by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
