AFTER a deflating end to their Season 85 campaign, the UST Growling Tigresses underwent a much-needed retooling in the offseason, with their head coach expressing optimism about their increased adaptability for Season 86.
The squad faced the departure of Joylyn Pangilinan, who exceeded the age limit, as well as the transfers of Steph Villapando and Jane Araza to other schools.
However, they will welcome back veteran Tantoy Ferrer and sophomore Nicole Danganan, along with the addition of Season 82 Rookie of the Year Kent Pastrana and Senegalese import Awa Ly to their roster.
Ong said these players have significantly enhanced the depth and size of both UST’s frontcourt and backcourt, giving her the ability to devise more versatile and efficient player rotations. This is particularly crucial as the team struggled with limited manpower last season.
“I think ‘yon ‘yung advantage ko from last year because I will be more flexible sa mga playing positions ng mga players ko ngayon so that some players can play multiple positions,” Ong told the Varsitarian.
Ferrer’s return to form in both the UAAP and NBA Philippines 3×3 basketball tournaments will provide a significant boost to UST’s forward positions, she said.
Tantoy Ferrer, who was the Rookie of the Year in Season 81, returned to the 3×3 scene in Season 85 after recovering from her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries she sustained last year. Ferrer played a pivotal role in UST’s triumph in the Season 85 women’s 3×3 finals by leading the team with eight points 10 rebounds.
UST also secured strong wing players in Pastrana, a former Rookie of the Year from the Lady Archers, and Danganan, a standout from the Junior Growling Tigresses who is making a comeback after receiving clearance to play and recovering from an ACL injury that sidelined her for a significant part of Season 85.
Ly, a towering 6-foot-2 big who completed her one-year residency requirement last season, is set to be a commanding presence in the paint as the team’s new center. This addition addresses a notable deficiency that UST faced in the previous season, according to Ong.
“Ngayon, mas maraming mahuhugot na players that can help the team,” the coach said. “Hindi kagaya dati na talagang medyo depleted ‘yung lineup so medyo pagod talaga ‘yung mga players.”
UST’s Season 86 roster will also feature two newcomers: Rozie Amatong, a recruit from Ateneo De Davao, and Cee-jay Maglupay, a product of the Junior Growling Tigresses.
During the offseason, the Tigresses competed in several exhibition tournaments, most notably in Nagoya, Japan. They also trained with Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra in a clinic hosted by USA Basketball on Aug. 23.
Following their dismal performance in the women’s 5×5 basketball tournament, UST went on to secure victories in the UAAP women’s 3×3 and NBA Philippines women’s 3×3 competitions. They continued their winning streak by claiming the championship at the Sulit Basketball Breakdown Invitations earlier this year.
“I think very important that we played a lot of games noong preseason para makita rin naming mga coaches ‘yung mga tamang pasok ng tao at sino ‘yung magkakasama,” Ong said. “Very important kasi ‘yung gelling ng team or ‘yung team chemistry prior to UAAP.”
Same system, more versatility
Ong said her current system, which revolves around her fast-paced style of play, contributed to UST’s bronze-medal finish in Season 85. However, she noted that she wants a better transition offense and full-court defense.
“Actually, ‘yung system hindi naman masyado nagbago from last year,” she said. “We would like to run a fast-paced play to have more transition threes in our transition offense, and ‘yung Growling Tigress na full-court press na tinuro namin sa mga bata.”
“So, I think ‘yung mga major adjustments for the system is yung mga bagong mga rookies na dumadating,” she added.
Under her coaching system, Ong expressed her commitment to maximizing the potential of all players, whether they are rookies or veterans, ensuring that no talent goes to waste.
“Itong system ng UST na kapag may kinuha kaming player, I make sure na nagagamit namin siya,” she said. “Hindi namin siya nabe-bench or whatever. We give them opportunity to play for UST.”
UST will face formidable opponents in the upcoming season, notably the defending champions, the National University Bulldogs. The Bulldogs boast three national players in their lineup who contributed to the country’s silver-medal performance in the SEA Games and participated in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2023.
But Ong said the team won’t back down.
“We don’t back down doon sa mga gano’n, and instead we are challenged to do our best. So, yung mga ganong intimidations…hindi namin iniisip ‘yon because we’re prepared,” she said. “But they have to respect and trust na they are just as good enough, pareho namin.”
Vets ready to lead team
UST Growling Tigress veterans Eka Soriano, Ana Tacatac and Ferrer, all of whom were members of the Season 82 squad that reached the finals, are leading the charge as the team embarks on their quest for the UAAP Season 86 championship once more.
In her role as the team’s floor general, Soriano takes charge of maintaining order among her teammates on the court, ensuring that they adhere to the coaches’ game plan.
“‘Pag hindi ko sila tinuruan ng play or kung ano yung gagawin sa court, ako mahihirapan,” she said. “Kaya talagang lahat iniisa-isa ko sila. Lahat nung mahihina sa play, lahat ng medyo ilang pa sa ganitong play, talagang iniisa-isa ko para pagdating namin ng court, hindi kami magulo.”
Tacatac, who serves as the team’s co-captain and was part of the Mythical Five in the previous season, said she plays a crucial role in assisting her teammates in managing their emotions during matches, particularly in high-stakes games.
“Sinasabihan ko sila na we have to control our emotions kasi sometimes diyan tayo nasisira. Parang don nasisira yung relationship namin imbes na magtulungan kami,” she said. “Parang nagiging kanya-kanya, so dapat namin i-improve pa yung pag-control talaga ng emotions namin.”
In her final playing year, Ferrer expressed her desire to serve as a positive role model for her teammates.
“Kailangan maging disiplinado ka sa lahat ng bagay on and off the court kasi nga kami yung tinitingala ng mas nakakabata samen…sayo magsisimula lahat, kung paano ka magli-lead sa mga bata at kung paano mo sila mai-guide,” she said.
Understanding the capabilities of her team, head coach Haydee Ong expressed her desire for the veterans to recognize when it’s necessary to step back and allow other players to take the lead when the situation demands it.
“I think the veterans know ‘yung mga role nila ngayon na kung kailangan sila pumuntos, pupuntos, kung kailangan dumipensa, dumipensa,” she said. “That, I think, is ‘yung most important thing na na-incline ko this season sa mga beterano. Sometimes you have to step aside and give way to other people for us to be more competitive during the final stretch ng season.”
The Growling Tigresses will kickstart their UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball campaign facing the University of the East Lady Warriors on Oct. 1, Sunday, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
