UST big man Mo Tounkara flexes in front of a frenzied Growling Tigers bench during a game against UE in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Ditching the buzz cut isn’t the only thing different from University of Santo Tomas’ current UAAP team to last year’s.
More than anything else, this version of the Growling Tigers is far from the whipping team of old.
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“[Ang] dami ko kasi nababasa, nahuhuli mga nakukulong puro mga kalbo e. Sabi ko tama na yan kung ano gusto niyong buhok isuot niyo e bagay naman sa mga itsura nila may mga buhok. Ok na ko diyan basta importante manalo tayo,” quipped coach Pido Jarencio, who decided to no longer impose his haircut policy in his second season with UST since returning at the helm.
UST, the worst team in the league last season with a 2-12 record, did just that, getting its UAAP Season 87 campaign going with a masterful 70-55 win over University of the East on Sunday.
READ: UAAP: With Padrigao, UST Tigers growl to hot Season 87 start
Buzz cut no more for Coach Pido’s Tigers. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/XjZL8RpFDQ
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 8, 2024
Mainstays Nic Cabañero and Christian Manaytay conspired with newcomers Mo Tounkara and Forthsky Padrigao in the victory that sparked hopes of a bright season ahead.
Cabañero, who led UST with 14 points, is thrilled to play with his new teammates led by the former Ateneo star Padrigao.
“I’m happy for the team na hindi lang ako yung nilu-look forward. Happy din ako sa ibang teammates ko and the coaches kasi they’re trying to build me to be a perfect player also. I can’t say that [I’m perfect] but it will help me to groom more and improve, lalo na yung defensive aspect ko,” said Cabañero.
“Sobrang grabeng nakakaiba kasi nakikita ko talaga yung support nung UST community and we’re trying to give our best to fight for them also.“
READ: UAAP: New UST team has Cabanero hopeful of Final Four
UST coach Pido Jarencio, middle, looks on during a game against UE in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Jarencio gave credit to his coaching staff led by veterans Juno Sauler, Peter Martin, and Jaren Jarencio for preparing his players well this season and most importantly, the new members and holdovers for being coachable.
“Madaling kausap itong mga ito, itong mga players na lumipat sa amin, tapos yung mga coaches na nandito sa amin madali sila kausap, gusto magtrabaho, gusto tumulong sa akin, gusto tulungan ang UST. That’s it basta gustong tumulong ng nasa puso,” said Jarencio, who steered UST to its last UAAP championship in 2006. “Ang inalis namin mga bad vibes, basta bad vibes alis. ganun lang. Itong mga ito may mga bilog [halo] sa ulo yan. Anghel ang dating sa akin nitong mga ito.”
Jarencio isn’t guaranteeing anything other than his players’ enthusiasm and desire to win at all costs.
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“Basta itong mga ito yung mga character nila hindi magbabago. Makikipagpitpitan itong mga ito, makikipagpatayan, fairplay lang lahat ito,” said Jarencio. “Makikita ninyo yung excitement sa mga players and I’m also excited para sa kanila.”
UST goes for a second straight win on Wednesday against Ateneo, which lost its opening game against UP on Saturday.