When Manu Iñigo took over as head coach of the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs two years ago, he knew he faced a challenging task.
The Tiger Cubs were coming off a 7-7 campaign that saw them finish in fourth place. The question was: How could they take the next step?
“Well, to be honest, we knew it wouldn’t be easy because there are a lot of strong teams here in the UAAP,” said Iñigo.
“That’s why my staff, the boys, and I really worked hard for it every single day. We’re just blessed to be here in the finals right now.”
Iñigo turned to familiar faces from his previous stint with San Beda-Rizal. Red Cubs like Doy Dungo, Wacky Ludovice, Kirk Cañete, Lance Ronquillo, Basty Castro, Martin Bacani, Randel Balayan, and Alfred Loreto answered the call.
A year later, with Dungo leading the way, UST once again finished fourth — this time with an improved 8-6 record. Progress was evident, but they still had work to do.
This season, however, has been nothing short of remarkable.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
With Iñigo’s system fully implemented and additional recruits from various provinces joining the fold, the Tiger Cubs have secured a spot in the UAAP Boys’ Basketball Finals for the first time since 2010.
Leading the charge is Ludovice.
“Matagal ko na rin namang player si Joaqui, nung magkasama pa kami sa San Beda. Kaya naman sumama rin sa’min ‘to kasi nga alam ko naman na fit siya sa sistema namin,” said Inigo.
“Kaya nung nalipat kami sa UST, kinausap ko siya na sama siya sa’min. Nakikita naman namin ngayon talaga na tama naman yung ginawa niya.”
For Ludovice, years of heartbreak at both San Beda and UST fueled his drive to reach this moment.
“Same lang din naman po dun sa goal ko dun sa San Beda; gusto po namin makuha yung finals. Pati yung last season namin, natalo kami sa Final Four. Kaya ginamit ko po yun na gas ko po para sa ngayong season,” the 18-year-old gunner shared.
Now, the Tiger Cubs have a golden opportunity to silence their critics and end UST’s 24-year title drought in boys’ basketball.
