Haydee Ong has appointed Tacky Tacatac, Kent Pastrana, and Eka Soriano as the leaders of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) for its title defense in the UAAP women’s basketball championship.
The Golden Tigresses, who ended the seven-season dynastic reign of the NU Lady Bulldogs last year, aim to secure back-to-back titles.
However, they will be without their “heart and soul,” as Ong described, in Tantoy Ferrer.
Guard Nikki Villasin, who made the crown-winning shot in Game 3 of the Season 86 Finals, is also gone.
Despite these departures, Ong remains confident in her team’s leadership with the three veterans she has named.
“Maganda sa team namin I still have three veterans si Tacky, si Kent, and si Eka I think ito yung magiging cornerstone ko for this season,” Ong expressed.
In Season 86, Tacatac was the team’s marksman, Soriano was the stabilizer, and Pastrana was the revelation.
Ong has also prepared her team for the added challenge and pressure of being the defending champions, who often face heightened expectations.
“Defending champion ka lahat ng teams will be looking at you, they would prepare for you,” Ong shared.
“Ito yung maganda na challenge kasi as champions you have to work harder, you have to have more teamwork, more chemistry. I think yun yung vital parts para maretain yung championship.”
Pastrana will need to embrace a new role with increased attention expected, according to Ong.
The UST combo guard was a Mythical Team member last year, averaging 17.64 points, 5.64 rebounds, 2.29 assists, and 3.0 steals per game.
“Sinabi ko kay Kent, this year will be a different role kasi everybody’s going to eye for her na siya yung magiging top scorer ng UST,” Ong said.
“Yung pressure kay Kent sa scoring matatanggal sa kanya yun which makakaconcentrate siya more sa defense and sa leadership.”
