Builders Warehouse-University of Santo Tomas was on the receiving end of a beatdown to open its 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup campaign on Saturday.
Up against a tall and talented EcoOil-De La Salle University team, the Growling Tigers saw themselves outclassed on all fronts. As the dust settled, UST fell to the Green Archers, 112-82.
Definitely, it was not what head coach Albert Alocillo wanted. But with the limited manpower and preparation time, former assistant coach Jinino Manansala somewhat expected that.
“Okay naman, nakita namin yung mga weaknesses namin,” said Alocillo. “Kasi, we accept ‘yung preparation namin is hindi talaga kami masyado prepared, kasi bago lang nag decide isa sa kanila.
“Pero babawi kami, meron kami nakitang possibilities na babawi kami. And medyo kulang din ‘yung sa tao din dito lang sa malaki, sa ilalim.”
And reinforcements are on the way for the Growling Tigers.
Expected to arrive from Minnesota are two key recruits for UST in 6-foot-7 Gani Stevens and 6-foot-3 guard Willie Wilson.
The two may not arrive until July 18, though, making them miss their games against Apex Fuel-San Sebastian on the 14th.
“Ine-expect na namin na darating daw 18, July 18. Hopefully they can be good additionals sa muscles namin sa ilalim.”
Jordi Gomez de Liaño is also likely to be back next week.
With regards to his situation, Alocillo is taking a ‘wait-and-see’ approach.
San Miguel Corporation is reportedly just hammering a few kinks before it can go all out in supporting UST’s varsity programs.
(C) PBA Images
“Yes, for now I’m interim coach lang, while waiting for kung sino ‘yung papunta diyan.”
