University of Santo Tomas men’s basketball team ushered in a new – and returning – era with their semi-bald haircuts during the UAAP Season 86 collegiate basketball press conference on Wednesday.
After a 10-year wait, Pido Jarencio returned home to the Growling Tigers’ den, bringing with him the revival of the tradition of players shaving their heads.
Nic Cabañero, poised to lead UST, initially harbored doubts about this practice of shaving their heads, fearing they would become objects of ridicule.
However, the 19-year-old combo guard changed his perspective when he understood the significance of going bald for the basketball program.
“Parang initiation namin magpakalbo, it doesn’t mean kasi na people will make fun of this dahil kalbo kami. Yun yung iniisip ko at first eh,” shared Cabañero.
“Pero hindi eh, it’s like a commitment to the team, kung gaano mo kamahal yung school pride.”
Cabañero should know about “school pride” more than anyone, as he was one of the few bright spots for the Season 85 Tigers, who finished with a 1-13 record.
It can be recalled that Cabañero had an emotional outburst after UST squandered a 19-point lead against a shorthanded Adamson University, ultimately losing on the final possession. That scene truly expressed his determination to win for his school.
With reinforcements on the way and the return of Jarencio, the San Beda-Taytay product is excited to showcase their improvement when they face the University of the East on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Cabañero noted the upward trajectory of teammates Paul Manalang, Christian Manaytay, and Migs Pangilinan.
He also welcomed the arrival of highly-touted rookies Mark Llemit from the Tiger Cubs program and SJ Moore, the high-flying guard from Arellano.
“I’m so excited to play and the second coming of the ‘Pride, Puso, Palaban’ kasi si Coach Pido talaga ang tagal ko ng idol niyan,” said Cabañero of the UST legend.
“I’ve seen the improvements from my teammates. Si Paul, si Christian Manaytay, Migs Pangilinan, meron pa kaming mga rookies na galing Tiger Cubs na si Mark Llemit saka the Arellano star si SJ Moore din. Malaking factor din samin na he committed sa UST.”
