One of the brightest minds in basketball has just thrown his name into University of Santo Tomas’ hat.
Potit De Vera, the engineer who ran Technological Institute of the Philippines’ machine, has applied for the head coach position of the Growling Tigers.
Though De Vera comes from a relatively small school in TIP, he has made his student-athletes’ big dreams become a reality.
“I bring with me experience and competence that can revive the real spirit of college basketball. I am well-versed in developing competitive programs the right way,” said the youthful tactician.
Take, for example, the Engineers squad that disbanded due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
His players were easily able to find new homes despite finishing the last UCBL season with a 3-7 slate.
Bryan Santos went to UST, Ximone Sandangon to FEU, Warren Calara to La Salle; Ivan Santos, Jopet Soriano, and Marlon Navarro to Mapua; and Jhon Calisay and RV Yanes to Adamson.
Furthermore, he steered that Engineers team to the semis of a stacked 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup tourney.
Besides this, De Vera is also a true Thomasian, having played in the B Team of UST after graduating from Ateneo High.
He also served as an assistant coach for FEU, UP, and Boracay Rum during the late 2000s.
For him, the way he builds programs from scratch is what makes him best suited to be the man to rebuild UST, which is currently in shambles.
“My heart to show to the world that the right and Godly virtues have places even in worldly success will be my fuel to go strong throughout any struggles and challenges that will come UST’s way.”
