UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers head coach Alfredo “Pido” Jarencio believes his team is ready for the start of UAAP Season 89 – and he has a playful message for their upcoming opponents.
Jarencio said during the league’s pre-tournament presser that UST used its preseason campaign primarily to develop chemistry and sharpen its system ahead of the new season.
“Siguro ‘yung preseason is more on nag-build ng chemistry sa team. And at the same time, ah, ready na ‘yung team, ‘yung preparation namin for Season 89. Kaya maghanda kayo,” Jarencio said.
The Growling Tigers are coming off a fourth-place finish in Season 88 after their Final Four campaign ended with a loss to the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons.
UST enters the new season with a revamped backcourt following the departure of three notable guards in Nicael Cabañero, Kyle Paranada and Rence “Forthsky” Padrigao.
The Tigers will still bank on returning players Collins Akowe, Mark Llemit, Amiel Acido and Koji Buenaflor as they look to improve on last season’s showing.
NCAA Division 1 players Landyn Jumawan and Renzo Abellar are also set to reinforce the roster as one-and-done players.
With a deeper guard rotation and several key holdovers, UST is hoping its preseason work will translate into a stronger showing when Season 89 gets underway. (Adrian Co)
