University of Santo Tomas head coach Noli Mejos believes there is no better way to sharpen young talent than by exposing them to foreign student-athletes early in their careers.
That philosophy, however, was put to the test as the retooled UST Tiger Cubs suffered a humbling defeat at the hands of National University Nazareth School, 63-85, in the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball Tournament.
Coming off an impressive 2-0 start, the Tiger Cubs were missing key Season 87 contributors Andwele Cabanero, Jhon Canapi, and Dustin Bathan, while Raj Sidhu and Gilas Youth guard Everaigne Cruz were deemed ineligible.
Against Malian big man Moussa Diakite and a stacked Bullpups roster, UST struggled to find its rhythm, ultimately succumbing to a lopsided loss.
For Mejos, facing foreign student-athletes at such an early stage serves as a wake-up call—a reminder of how much his team still needs to improve if it hopes to compete with perennial contenders like the Bullpups, FEU-D Baby Tamaraws, and defending champions UE Junior Warriors.
“Sa akin naman, as may foreigner sa senior high at sa college, pwede rin naman at okay lang. Nakuha nila yan nang maaga dahil bata pa. Sa tingin ko, okay din at maraming Filipino ang matututo sa foreigners,” Mejos told Tiebreaker Times Wednesday morning at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
“Sobrang malaking tulong dahil kailangan talaga constant yung pagtuto. Not only isang factor lang ang i-improve namin, pero na-realize namin na i-improve namin lahat. Magaling yung locals nila, tapos may foreigners pa, kaya mahirap talaga.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
While Diakite’s stat line—six points on limited attempts—might appear modest, his 6-foot-10 presence dominated the paint, snagging eight rebounds and swatting away four shots. His defensive mastery helped freeze the Tiger Cubs’ offense, limiting them to a paltry 17-of-69 shooting from the field.
Complementing Diakite’s impact were NUNS’ local standouts David Sabareza, Dean Tria, and Clark Khobuntin, who ignited a decisive second-quarter surge that paved the way for the Bullpups’ third straight victory.
Mejos stressed that suffering such a defeat now, rather than later in the tournament, could serve as a valuable lesson for his team.
He remains confident that the Tiger Cubs can transform the blowout into motivation for the rest of their elimination round campaign.
“Malaking bagay na nangyari ito ng maaga kasi yung NU talaga malakas – yung team na yan talaga yung sinusukat ko. Nawala yung ibang player natin, pero siguro isa ito sa magiging lesson sa team. Yun yung dadalhin natin dahil kailangan magpalakas pa talaga at kailangan maging aware yung mga player kasi akala nila nung first two games, magaling na sila ‘eh. Hindi masyado yung dalawang wins namin talaga ‘eh. Nagulat din kasi talaga yung mga player kasi halos karamihan dito, relievers lang. Pero part of the game talaga yan, may nangyayari na masama yung laro,” Mejos explained.
“Sa tingin ko naman, hindi naman yung FSA yung pumatay sa atin ‘eh — yung mga locals. Nung linabas niya yung FSA, doon sila lumayo. Siguro isang factor ‘yon dahil mahirap tirahan yung ganon katangkad na height. Kahit nung kalaban natin sila sa NBA Rising Star, tambak din talaga tayo kasi mismatch talaga.”
Looking ahead, Mejos assured that the Tiger Cubs are already focused on bouncing back, with a Finals rematch against UE set for Saturday, October 4, still at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
“Magiging prepared lang kami for next game. Simula na agad ng preparations namin mamayang hapon sa viewing at lahat. Ganon talaga ‘eh, nangyayari talaga yung mga ganito. Sabi ko nga sa mga bata, hindi naman pwede dalawa [na team] ang manalo ‘eh. Pero ba-bounce back tayo,” Mejos concluded.
