UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas (UST) head coach Pido Jarencio called on online critics to stop targeting his players and the Growling Tigers’ program, saying outsiders do not fully understand the sacrifices made by the team.
Jarencio addressed the issue after UST’s 80-75 victory over De La Salle University (DLSU) in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
“Basketball is a sacrifice kaya huwag sanang may marinig na may sabihing ganito. ‘Di n’yo alam iyung nangyayari kasi araw-araw kasama ko ito eh,” Jarencio said.
The veteran coach said some players are also dealing with personal and family concerns while fulfilling their responsibilities on the court.
“Mayroong isa diyan, coach, daddy ko may sakit. Ano gagawin mo? Tutulungan mo ‘di ba? Kaya iyung mga nagsasalita, ‘yung mga basher, itigil niyo na ‘yan,” he added.
Jarencio admitted that he becomes frustrated when critics resort to personal attacks and involve UST players in their comments. He explained that he avoids responding directly on social media because doing so could only intensify the controversy.
“Dito sa atin sports lang tayo, dun ako naiinis eh, kasi kaya ko sinasabi ito sa inyo kasi hindi naman ako nakaka-reply sa ‘eh gago ka Pido, bobo mo,’ eh totoo naman yan, may bash na ganoon. Sasagutin ko ba sa social media yan? Hindi ako makakasabi ng ganoon,” he said.
The coach challenged those who have issues with him to discuss them face-to-face instead of attacking him or the players online.
“Kung may gusto kayong sabihin, sabihin n’yo sa akin. Harap-harapan. Walang backstabbing,” Jarencio said.
He also stressed that he does not teach his players to blame or undermine one another, emphasizing accountability within the team.
“Ako I never taught these players na mang-backstab. Kasi kapag itinuro mong ganyan tatlong (daliri ang) nakabalik sa iyo. Wala tayong finger-pointing dito,” he said.
Jarencio added that he takes responsibility when the team loses.
“Sinasabi ko lang sa (mga players), kapag natalo, sabihin n’yo ako (may kasalanan). Ito na lang ‘yun,” he said.
The coach ended his remarks by pointing to UST’s victory over La Salle as the team’s response to its critics.
“Kaya lang ang daming ano eh…tut-tut-tut, bobo mo, mga ganun eh. Ang tanga mo, hangga’t nandyan ka, hindi kayo mananalo. Panalo kami ngayon, buwiset!” Jarencio said.
The win lifted UST to a 1-1 record in the tournament. (Adrian Co)
