THE UST Growling Tigers will use their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Developmental League (D-League) stint to polish their system and build the team’s chemistry just in time for UAAP Season 82, head coach Aldin Ayo said.
Ayo has been working with a complete lineup as early as December, a privilege he did not have last season.
“This is our preparation for next season kasi gusto namin na, as early as now, mailagay na sa tama ‘yong sistema namin at sana mabuo na ‘yong chemistry this early,” he told the Varsitarian.
To fully establish his system, the tactician said his wards, especially the young guns, need the D-League campaign for exposure and experience in the semi-professional ranks, where they will be able to face veteran basketball players.
“We have young players and we want them to improve on their individual skills. We want them to gain confidence, to always make the best decisions come game time. Gusto ko rin na mag-enjoy sila dito kasi habang nage-enjoy, nagi-improve eh,” Ayo said.
The Tigers remained unscathed in the league with a 2-0 win-loss record, after trouncing Batangas-Emilio Aguinaldo College and AMA Online Education, respectively.
Although UST is filled with eight rookies, the Tigers still got blue-chip recruits in Beninese forward Soulemane Chabi Yo, Season 81 boys’ basketball mythical team member Mark Nonoy, Rhenz Abando, Sherwin Concepcion and Brent Paraiso.
“(I’m happy) kasi siyempre nakakapaglaro na kaagad (‘yong mga recruits) nang maayos, nag-adjust kaagad sila and unang liga pa lang namin na big league tapos hindi sila tight at nailalabas na nila ‘yong laro nila,” the multi-titled coach said.
Ayo added that this team was more competitive than last year, citing talent, height and athleticism as key ingredients.
“This team is different from last year. We have players who are bigger, more talented and more athletic. Mas desente ang team ngayon,” he said.
Chabi Yo led the team in terms of defense and offense, averaging 22 points, 14.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks after just two outings, while Pangasinan native Abando tallies 18 markers, 6.5 boards and 2 blocks.
Nonoy, who just finished his juniors’ stint with the Tiger Cubs, went straight to the seniors’ team and became the youngest cager to play in D-League history. He averages 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5 assists per game.
But despite high praises for his team, the-41-year-old mentor said the Tigers still need to work on their ability to hold on to leads in their pre-season tilt.
With the team having eight newcomers, Ayo will bank on veteran scoring guards Marvin Lee and Renzo Subido to shoulder the leadership on and off the court.
Come Season 82, Ayo is confident that the Tigers will be at full strength since injured rookie sensation CJ Cansino is expected to be back on the court by May, a month earlier than his expected return.
UST will next face the Cignal-Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on March 7, Thursday, 2 p.m., at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
