HOPING to find redemption as he makes his way back to basketball, former University of the East (UE) Red Warrior Jordan Sta. Ana looks to prove his worth as a part of the embattled Growling Tigers.
Sta. Ana, who left UE after seeing little playing time last UAAP season, told the Varsitarian that he considered UST since it is a “good fit” for him.
“Here, I am given a chance to play, unlike in UE where I really wanted to play but the veterans were only ones who were used. Here in UST, everyone is equal,” Sta. Ana said.
The 19-year-old already made his presence felt two years ago for UE during the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup but saw a decline in playing minutes come his debut during Season 78 of the UAAP where he averaged only 1.3 points per game.
With the Tigers, Sta. Ana is already one of the team’s go-to guys following the hiatus of backcourt mainstays Mario Bonleon and Renzo Subido. He is averaging 8 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game in UST’s four games in the FilOil Preaseason Cup.
Sta. Ana showed a glimpse of his potential by dropping 11 points, five rebounds and four assists in UST’s loss to the Ateneo de Manila University last May 5 and was a pivotal part of the Tigers’ win against the University of Perpetual Help last May 21 where he chipped in three points, five rebounds, four assists and the game-sealing steal.
“Jordan is all hard work during practice. When you see him during practice, he plays it like it is a real game,” Tigers assists coach Tylon Dar Juan said.
Aside from UST’s basketball program, the Sports and Wellness Management student said his program would help him grow inside and outside of the court.
“A good leader is a good listener and I can deliver that kind of attitude in the court,” the 5-foot-11 guard said.
Finding a home
Sta. Ana has been to five different teams already. After playing for the Cainta Catholic College in his second year in high school, he became a star for the College of San Benildo Blazing Wolves the following year where he competed in the Metro Manila Basketball League.
From the Wolves turned heads and he transferred to the Nazareth School of National University Bullpups in his fourth year in high school in 2014.
The Bullpups fell short of the title that year against the Ateneo de Manila University.
Sta. Ana joined the Red Warriors in college but was used sparingly and averaged just 6.8 minutes in the 12 games he played in.
Now, he looks to make UST his permanent home.
“I can say that this is my home. I think that I am going to be okay here with my teammates and my coaches we work together here,” he said.
