Lastimosa withdraws from CSB, Blazers' semis bid suffers big blow

College of Saint Benilde's bid of earning a Final Four berth was dealt a big blow after top scorer and 86th NCAA Rookie of the Year winner Carlo Lastimosa will not be returning to finish his season with the Blazers' men's basketball team. Talks between school management and the parents of the sophomore playmaker bogged down Friday night. CSB released an official statement to declare Lastimosa's withdrawal from the team. "De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, represented by its Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Relations, Bro. Dante Jose Amisola, FSC, in a dialogue with Mr. and Mrs. Danilo and Patricia Lastimosa, wishes to announce the formal withdrawal of their son, Mr. Carlo Dan T. Lastimosa from the College," the statement said. Lastimosa’s absence will be a key loss as the Blazers are also in the hunt for a Final Four berth. They are currently tied for sixth place with Lyceum with a 5-8 win-loss card, just half-a-game behind No. 4 team Mapua (6-8). "While both the Colllege and the family have mutually accepted this decision with a heavy heart, they are, likewise, mutually convinced that this decision, based on various personal reasons, will only redound to the best interests of the young man," the statement added. "De La Salle-CSB wishes then to acknowledge at this point, and with much gratitude Carlo’s meaningful involvement with student life on campus whilst in the College and especially recognizes his exceptional contributions to its basketball team." "The College wishes Carlo all the best in life and sends him her fervent prayers as he moves forward, and strongly requests that his personal space and privacy be now respected and given utmost consideration by everybody." — Reuben Terrado/JVP, GMA News