The University of Santo Tomas program has fallen very far in the UAAP from its last finals run back in Season 82.
UST first sealed an opening-day win over Adamson University in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
But that was as good as it would get.
The Growling Tigers ended up losing six straight matches – the latest of which was a 51-76 drubbing at the hands of University of the Philippines. They have now ended up with a 1-6 record by the end of the first round.
“Obviously down kami, pero thoughts for that – we have to learn. We have to learn an… Siyempre to bounce back or catch up. We have to learn, especially (the) coaching staff. We have to double time para maka-catch up sa kanila,” said head coach Bal David.
“I think medyo lucky against Adamson. Hindi pa kami scouted and everything. Nung na-scout na nila si Nic [Cabanero], medyo na-rattle kami dun,” he continued, as Cabanero scored 33 points in their 69-60 win on opening day.
“We have adjustments and everything. Siguro yung after nun against La Salle, dun kami nag-start ma-down ang morale ng mga kids. On that part, we’re trying to regroup. Kaya lang, we failed to regroup. Meaning it’s our fault na hindi namin sila na-regroup. I take full responsibility. Hindi ko sila na-push forward.”
Nic Cabanero is UST’s only bright light so far this season. However, his being a marked man has led the Growling Tigers to struggle while his production is limited.
That is just one glaring issue that David and his fellow coaches have to solve. Unfortunately, though, there does not seem to be a solution for that anytime soon.
“Pagka na-check si Nic, medyo andami sa amin hindi nag step up sa points. Nag-a-adjust kami doon. Adjust after adjustments. Ayaw eh. Wala kaming mapiga,” said the former Barangay Ginebra star. “Hopefully this second round, maka-adjust naman kami. Siguro… yung experience na to, just leave it to us. Yung mga negative sides, just leave it to the coaches.
“Gusto ko yung mga bata, come second round, fresh again. Yung mga negatives and everything, we’ll take it.”
All is not lost, though, in the Growling Tigers trying to save some face this Season 85. There is still the rest of the second round to go to salvage some pride.
The road ahead will be tough, and it does not seem like it will get better anytime soon. Whatever happens, though, David wants him and his staff to take all the burden.
“Knowing we just started, at least nagtiya-tiyaga pa rin kayo. Imagine one month preparation when I took the job. At least may positive side naman kami nakikita,” said the 50-year-old floor general-turned-tactician.
“Siguro kailangan pa rin namin mag work together like yung coaching staff, wag puro excuses. Parang ganun. We have to work. We take all the blame – we take all the blame sa coaching staff. We’ll take it. Yung mga kids, please spare them.”
