Jordan Sta. Ana was in the Filoil Flying V Centre on Tuesday evening during the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers’ game against the CSB Blazers.
This time around, however, Sta. Ana was clad in civilian clothes. He had just left UST a day before.
Though his reason for leaving was due to “personal reasons”, according to incoming first-year Growling Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo, the 20-year-old swing man was filled with regret that he could not play under the decorated mentor.
“Sayang kasi magaling na coach si coach Aldin.
“Kitang kita ko naman sa sistema na tinatakbo nila ngayon, malayong malayo sa sistema namin last season,” Sta. Ana said, comparing how Ayo and Boy Sablan ran things.
Sta. Ana, who averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.4 rebounds a season ago, is taking his time over what he will do next in his career.
But one of the possible destinations is Colegio de San Juan de Letra,n where he can reunite with his former NU Bullpups head coach Jeff Napa.
“Oo nagkausap na kami ni coach,” Sta. Ana disclosed. “Tinanong niya kung puwede daw ba na magsama kami ulit sa isang team.
“Sabi ko naman hindi pa po ako ready lumipat. Pag-iisipan ko pa ng mabuti kasi balak ko muna na magfocus muna ako sa sarili ko.”
Another possible destination is a homecoming to the University of the East — the school where he made his UAAP Men’s Division debut.
Still, his sole focus right now is how he can improve both as a student and as a player.
“Maturity sa court. Kulang pa sa depensa, basta sobrang dami pang kulang so gusto kong pagtuunan ng pansin yon.”
