The University of Santo Tomas faithful will just have to wait a little longer.
Growling Tigers officials clarified that they are still courting the San Miguel Corporation to become the chief booster of their team while Alfrancis Chua has yet to accept the position of becoming the school’s Special Assistant to the Rector (Fr. Richard Ang, OP) for basketball.
According to co-team manager Waiyip Chong, the dinner they hosted last night in a restaurant in Quezon City was just to celebrate the formal signing of Pido Jarencio to a three-year deal.
“Nag-dinner lang kami kahapon kasama sila Fr. Rodel (Cansancio, OP) and yung other boosters ng team to celebrate yung kay Coach Pido. Siyempre dahil nandun din sila Coach Bonnie (Tan), niyaya na rin namin si Boss Al,” shared Chong.
“Pero wala pang deal. There’s no deal yet at kino-convince pa namin sila to be on board.”
Chong also noted that they have to first present to Chua and San Miguel Corporation president Ramon Ang their three-year plan for the Growling Tigers.
This is the second time this decade that talks between SMC and UST have happened.
Back in 2018 after the non-renewal of Boy Sablan, there were negotiations between SMC and UST which would have brought Jarencio back.
However, a deal could not be struck and the school ended up with Aldin Ayo as head coach.
Of course, this time around, Chong wants Chua to be on their side. After all, it was Chua who was the architect of the Letran dynasty from NCAA Seasons 95-98.
“Oo naman. Ako hopeful ako. Sino bang may ayaw na tumulong si Boss Al? Iba yung wisdom and advice na binibigay niya sa amin,” said Chong.
With regards to Letran, Tan said that they are still fulfilling their duties to the school and their student-athletes.
“Kami pa rin ang nagpapatakbo sa practices. In fact, may pupuntahan nga kami na pocket tournament later this month,” said Tan, who is also the interim head coach of Northport and a consultant in UST.
“I still have a contract with Letran and a responsibility to support our team.”
