The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers are set to receive a significant boost following a disappointing UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball campaign.
San Miguel Corporation’s subsidiary, Petron, has been named the primary sponsor for the Growling Tigers, while Alfrancis Chua, SMC’s sports director, has been appointed as the Special Assistant to the Rector for Sports at UST.
“I’m here to fully support UST. This is my school; dito ako lumaki, mahal ko ang school na ito,” said Chua, who got the green light from SMC president and CEO Ramon S. Ang to support the program.
“The only thing we have to do is prove ourselves with how we play. If we’re gonna work together, we’re strong,” added the former PBA mentor.
Chua made a personal appearance before Rector Fr. Richard Ang, OP, Fr. Rodel Cansancio, OP, Director of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA), and the entire Growling Tigers team.
“I would like to assure you that UST will be giving its full support to the team and everybody involved. We hope we will make it good in the coming seasons,” said Ang.
“This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the full support of Coach Al. Coach Al is ‘yung pinaka-magaling nating na-recruit,” said Cansancio.
It’s somewhat of a homecoming for Chua, who previously served as a team captain for the Glowing Goldies back in 1989.
Chua reunites with Pido Jarencio, his former teammate and the newly appointed UST head coach, as they join forces to restore glory to España.
“Matagal na kaming magkasama ni coach Al at masaya kami na sinamahan niya kami dito. Isa lang ang hangarin namin lahat, ‘yung maibalik ang korona sa España dito sa bagong simula natin sa UST,” said Jarencio.
UST enters this campaign with renewed energy, led by key returning players Nic Cabanero and Adama Faye, who will spearhead the team’s efforts. Additionally, the arrival of rookies SJ Moore and Mark Llemit further strengthens their roster. (AC)
Fil-Am guard Vincent Ventulan commits to UST Growling Tigers
