By: Jerod Orcullo
Fresh off a strong runner-up finish in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League invitationals, University of Santo Tomas head coach Ged Austria expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by longtime Golden Tigresses mentor Haydee Ong.
After falling short in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Basketball Finals against National University last December, UST entered the inaugural WMPBL season with renewed determination, eager to make a statement.
With Ong taking on the role of WMPBL Commissioner, the responsibility of guiding a young but promising UST squad fell on Austria’s shoulders.
The challenge was immense — he was tasked with leading the Tigresses against more experienced, veteran-heavy teams all eyeing the crown.
“Of course, Coach Haydee’s our commissioner tapos sinabihan ako na ako yung mag-head coach which is sobrang thankful ako, grateful ako sa tiwala… They built UST eh for the past decade, so of course yung sistema and everything runs through them,” Austria told Tiebreaker Times.
Under Austria’s guidance, UST surged to the Finals, setting up a best-of-three showdown against the seasoned Pilipinas Aguilas, a squad led by EuroCup veteran Alexis Pana.
The series lived up to expectations, with both teams splitting the first two games.
In the deciding Game 3, however, it was the experienced Aguilas who pulled away late, claiming the championship with a 54-45 win.
While the Tigresses came up short, the 30-year-old Austria remained upbeat, emphasizing the value of the experience they gained throughout the tournament — experience he believes will fuel their redemption bid in UAAP Season 88.
“Of course, we came up short eh, may kasamang disappointment. But of course, mixed emotions siya. Ang ni-remind ko sa girls na ang importante is at least naka-pick up tayo ng experience,” Austria shared.
“Sports eh, basketball eh, ‘di pwedeng parehong panalo. There will be a losing team. Congrats sa Aguilas, they were the better team, and kami naman we will learn from this.”
Before embracing his role as a coach, Ged was a player himself.
He once suited up for Ateneo in the UAAP high school division and later saw action for AMA in the PBA D-League.
(C) WMPBL
Though now firmly planted on the sidelines, he admitted he hasn’t completely closed the door on a potential return to playing.
Prior to his UST stint, he was in discussions with several teams, including the QC and Navotas Uni-Pak Sardines.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic derailed all plans.
In 2021, another playing opportunity came his way, but he ultimately declined, prioritizing the health of his loved ones.
“I was at the crossroads nung sabi ko na lalaro pa ba ‘ko or hindi. And at that time kasi, kahit nung mga 2021, I can’t risk playing na magkaroon ako ng COVID. Not for myself — ako, bata pa ‘ko, alam ko pang kaya ko na magkaroon eh. Pero I live under the same roof ng parents ko, senior na pareho,” he explained.
Now entering his second year with the Growling Tigresses’ coaching staff, Ged — son of nine-time PBA champion coach Leo Austria — insists he doesn’t feel pressured to live up to his father’s legacy.
Coaching appears to be in the Austria DNA.
Ged’s brother, Bacon, serves as the lead assistant for the Ateneo Blue Eagles under LA Mumar, a role he’s held since before the pandemic.
Ged’s own coaching journey began in 2022 when he joined UST as an assistant for UAAP Season 85.
Despite coming from a family of accomplished coaches, he insists he carves his own path, motivated more by passion than expectation.
“I don’t put pressure on myself that much. Of course, gusto kong manalo, I want to win, pero in terms of living up, siyempre idol ko sila. Idol ko si kuya, idol ko si papa pero hindi ko naman habol na yung mag-live up.”
#WATCH: UST Growling Tigresses head coach Ged Austria reflects on his first stint as head coach and the lessons they’ll carry from #WMPBL2025 to #UAAPSeason88 🏀
📹 @not_your_mvp /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/W2BMXr7csw
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 24, 2025
