After several years of struggle, there finally seems to be a glimmer of hope for the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the UAAP collegiate men’s basketball division.
The Growling Tigers started Season 87 with a strong performance, defeating the UE Red Warriors, 70-55, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
There is a palpable sense of optimism among the fans, coaches, and players – as if a new chapter is beginning for this storied program, with hopes of returning to its former glory.
“Sobrang grabe nakakaiba kasi nakikita ko talaga sa court yung support ng UST community,” said forward Nic Cabañero, who led UST with 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists in 23:39 minutes of play.
“We’re trying to fight back for them also. Binibigay namin yung best namin to fight for them, lalo na sa school namin, which is UST. I’m so happy we got the first win. Ready kami for our next game against Ateneo.”
UST last made the Final Four in Season 82 during its run to the finals under coach Aldin Ayo. However, the promising trajectory was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent Sorsogon bubble.
The Growling Tigers struggled in Seasons 84-86, winning only six games over those three seasons.
In an effort to turn things around, UST revamped its roster and coaching staff during the off-season.
The school recruited veteran coaches Juno Sauler and Peter Martin to bolster the sidelines, and brought in players like Season 85 Mythical Five awardee Forthsky Padrigao, along with promising rookies Amiel Acido and Zain Mahmood.
The Growling Tigers also removed Ashon Andrews from their pool after figuring in an off-court incident. Andrews has since moved to San Sebastian.
When asked about the impact of these new additions, coach Pido Jarencio expressed satisfaction with how well the newcomers have adjusted.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Simple lang, madaling kausap itong mga ‘to eh,” said Jarencio.
“Itong mga bata na ‘to, itong mga players na lumipat sa amin tapos yung mga coaches na nadito sa amin, madali silang kausap eh. Simple lang lahat: gustong magtrabaho, gustong tumulong sa akin, gustong tulungan ang UST. That’s it.”
He added, “Basta’t gustong tumulong at nasa puso, madaling katrabaho lahat eh. Itong mga ‘to, madaling katrabaho. Ang mga inalis namin ang mga bad vibes. Basta bad vibes, alis. Ganun lang. Kaya itong mga ‘to, may mga bilog sa lahat yan eh. Anghel ang dating sa akin ng mga ‘to. Good vibes lahat.”
A notable change under Jarencio’s program is the abandonment of the tradition of having players shave their heads bald.
While it may seem like a minor detail, it reflects a shift in the team’s culture. Jarencio, known for his humor, explained his decision by saying he did not want his players to be stereotyped negatively.
“Sabi ko dami ko kasing nababasa, yung mga nahuhuli at nakukulong, puro kalbo eh, mga drug lord!” Jarencio remarked.
“Sabi ko tama na yan. Sabi ko kung ano yung gusto niyong buhok, isuot niyo. Bagay naman sa itsura nila na may buhok. Okay na ako diyan basta importante manalo tayo. Yun lang ang sa akin.”
Cabañero agreed with the change, stating, “Approve ako. Ako yung unang-unang nag-approve eh.”
UST head coach Pido Jarencio on no longer implementing the bald head look:
“Sabi ko dami ko kasing nababasa, yung mga nahuhuli at nakukulong, puro kalbo eh. Mga drug lord! Sabi ko tama na yan.”#UAAPSeason87
📹 Lorenzo del Carmen/Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/G6JYEcSfiy
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 8, 2024
