‘Small but fierce’ Tigers this season

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EXPECT no big man from among the Tigers from recruits for the coming UAAP season. But coach Pido Jarencio expects his rookies–none of them standing above 6’3”–to play tough and play big.

The new heirs of the Growling Tigers’ monarchy will be rookies Darrel Green, Marco Cam, Rushdy Hadi, Eduard Aytona, Jerick Teng, Aljohn Ungria, Andrew Felix and Aljon Mariano.

Marco Cam

Jersey No. 21

Height: 6’0”

Position: Forward

PBA/NBA icon: Ron Artest of Houston Rockets

Previously playing for the San Sebastian Junior Stags, the 19-year-old Cam has the wit of setting-up unselfish plays for his teammates. Chalking up points in the assists department, he can also shoot from the rainbow country and penetrate the basket despite the sturdy defense played by the opponents.

Aljohn Ungria

Jersey No. 17

Height: 6’1”

Position: Center/Forward

PBA/NBA icon: Michael Jordan of Chicago Bulls

This former Colegio de San Lorenzo ace cager manifests his control over the offensive boards by securing the rebounds that will spark a run-and-gun type of play, perfect for the Tigers’ small line-up this season. The 19-year-old Bicolano is also poised to provide UST with good hustle and tough defensive stoppages.

Eduard Aytona

Jersey No. 19

Height: 5’10”

Position: Guard

PBA/NBA icon: Delonte West of Cleveland Cavaliers

Aytona, the 17-year-old former Tiger Cub, is a brainy playmaker with good court vision.

Andrew Felix

Jersey No. 20

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 155 lbs.

Position: Guard

The 19-year-old slasher from Southridge High School is a workhorse hailing from Laguna. He is good at slicing through the defense for lay-ups. His high leaping ability and steady shooting should show this season.

Darrel Green

Jersey No. 5

Height: 6’3”

Position: Center

PBA/NBA icon: Lebron James of Cleveland Cavaliers

Green, 20, is a big steal from Sta. Clara International Academy, known for his rebounding and aggressive play in the shaded lane. He showed intensity during the Tigers’ off-season games.

Rushdy Hadi

Jersey No. 13

Height: 6’3”

Position: Forward

PBA/NBA icon: Dwayne Wade of Miami Heat and Jayjay Helterbrand of Ginebra Kings

Without doubt, Hadi’s intimidating size and stature would spell impending doom for his opponents. This 19-year-old former Colegio San Agustin slotman made it to several Mythical Five slots in inter-barangay leagues. He is also a defensive menace and a sweet shooter off the dribble.

Aljon Mariano

Jersey No. 10

Height: 6’3

Position: Forward

PBA/NBA icon: Lebron James of Cleveland Cavaliers

Attacking the basket without hesitation is this 16-year-old daredevil hailing from San Beda. Mariano, who made it to the National Capital Region Mythical Five of Nokia National Basketball Training Center D-League, possesses a deceptive passing ability. This Manila-based hot shot is deadly from the perimeter.

Jerick Teng

Jersey No. 16

Height: 6’2”

Position: Guard

PBA/NBA icon: His dad, Alvin Teng of San Miguel

“Love for hoops” runs in the blood for this son of ex-PBA standoff Alvin Teng. Aside from bagging the Most Valuable Player crown in the Tiong Lian cagefest, the 18-year old ex-Xavier school stalwart also exhibits decent ball-handling skills, perimeter shooting and defense.

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