Despite receiving support from San Miguel Corporation (SMC), Alfrancis Chua, the University of Santo Tomas Special Assistant to the Rector for Sports, acknowledged that the upcoming UAAP Season 86 will pose significant challenges for the Growling Tigers.
As per the current SMC athletic director’s perspective, transforming the Growling Tigers cannot be achieved instantly; however, he remains confident that UST will demonstrate their fighting spirit under the guidance of their returning head coach, Alfredo “Pido” Jarencio.
“UP, Ateneo, La Salle lahat malalakas eh. Kami naman baka makapuwing lang, baka makabulag ng konti,” Chua said in an interview with CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk on Monday night.
“Ang sigurado namin, in all the games, lalaban kami, lalaban ang UST,” added the former UST Glowing Goldies player.
After enduring a disappointing 1-13 win-loss record in the previous UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball competition, the Growling Tigers aim to put that forgettable performance behind them.
Jarencio, on his part, expressed his anticipation for Chua’s increased involvement with the Growling Tigers, especially now that the official partnership between the university and the Ramon Ang-owned company has been established.
“Si Boss Al tutok yan, pupunta ng practice, magbibigay ng pointers, coach ‘yan eh,” Jarencio said. “Alam naman natin ang San Miguel Corporation winners ‘yan especially sa basketball. Malaking inspirasyon sa mga players, sa community na tumulong sila.”
“For now, sa basketball lang muna siya nakatutok (sa UST). ‘Yung sistema (ng team) nandyan na, tinitignan na lang niya kung ano pa ang pwedeng i-improve and at the same time pagbibigay ng encouragement sa players,” he added.
See Related Story Here:
Alfrancis Chua ecstatic over Ramon Ang’s approval of SMC-UST partnership
UST coach Pido Jarencio to their UAAP opponents: ‘For sure, pagpapawisan sila lahat sa amin’
