AFTER the controversial exit of Segundo “Bong” dela Cruz as head tactician of the Growling Tigers, the University found its next coach in another former Tiger.
Former Glowing Goldie Rodil “Boy” Sablan will call the shots for the rebuilding squad in next UAAP season and will try to steer the Tigers amid the loss of last year’s core of players.
Probably an unknown to the UAAP community, he was picked from a pool of well-known tacticians in Estong Ballesteros, Bal David Jr. and Chris Cantojos. Even former head coach Aric del Rosario, who steered UST to four straight championships from 1993-1996, expressed a desire to take the job.
“Ang nasa itaas ang nagdala sa akin dito. Wala na akong masasabi sa kanila (critics.)” Sablan said. “Gagawin ko lang ang trabaho ko. ‘Yung ine-expect nila sa akin, dodoblehin ko.”
Sablan was formally introduced as the new head coach of the Tigers last May 31, the day dela Cruz’ two-year contract expired.
“Nagulat ako, kinausap na ako ni Father (Ermito de Sagon.) I kept on praying kasi gusto ko bumalik dito, galing ako dito eh,” he said.
Sablan played for UST from 1980 to 1985 and was part of Pido Jarencio’s coaching staff which saw the Tigers’ last championship in 2006.
A total revamp in the coaching staff was also done with Patrick Fran, Juben Ledesma, Tylon Darjuan, Rabbi Tomacruz named as assistant coaches. Gina Francisco is the only one who got retained from the previous staff.
The 52-year-old coach now has to form a competitive team next season following a runner-up finish in Season 78. The Tigers will no longer have Kevin Ferrer, Ed Daquiaog and Karim Abdul in Season 79.
Even Louie Vigil and Jamil Sheriff, who were tipped to lead the squad next season, will not see action as a new UAAP rule reducing the age limit for athletes rendered them ineligible to compete.
“Wala pa tayong lineup, napakaaga pa lang naman and I need time kasi hindi ko pa naman sila kakilala.” Sablan told the Varsitarian. “I’m happy kasi marami akong pagpipilian. Sa team captain, factor lang ‘yung seniority since I’m looking more sa character.”
The Blackwater Sports Elite assistant coach will have to make good use of Kent Lao, the oldest Tiger in the team, slotman Jeepy Faundo, Mario Bonleon and Marvin Lee. Among the remaining players, Lee had the biggest impact in scoring with a 6.2 point average in 19.8 minutes per game (mpg) followed by Bonleon who scored 4.5 points a game in 16.6 mpg.
UST’s starting lineup last year, composed primarily of Ferrer, Daquioag, Abdul, Vigil and Sheriff, did most of the work on the offensive end while the Tigers’ second unit ranked last in bench scoring. This time, there will be no stars who will carry the team on their backs.
“Hindi ko naman sinasabi na masyado tayong nasa baba. Hindi ko hahayaan na babagsak tayo kaagad.”
Sablan will only have a few weeks to prepare the Tigers and to come up with a cohesive lineup that can compete with the elites in the league as Season 79 of the UAAP will soon open in August.
