‘Twas Al all along.
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) sports director Alfrancis Chua orchestrated UST’s recent coaching staff upgrade, bringing in experienced tacticians Juno Sauler and Peter Martin to boost the Growling Tigers’ coaching lineup.
Chua, who holds the title of “Special Assistant to the Rector for Basketball,” said he personally selected Sauler and Martin to assist in revitalizing the Tigers after their disastrous 2-12 finish in Season 86.
“Kailangan ko talaga ilagay sila diyan. Mas maraming utak, mas maganda,” Chua told the Varsitarian. “Kaya ko sila nilagay diyan dahil may kanya-kanya silang assignment.”
Chua said his vision paid off as he had already observed improvements in the Tigers’ offense and defense during the offseason.
“Ang laki ng improvement ng depensa nila. Tapos ‘yong offense nila ‘yong hindi lang yung isa ‘yong pinangagalingan ng tao, maraming pinangagalingan. The ball is rotating well,” he said.
Sauler and Martin bolstered UST head coach Pido Jarencio’s coaching staff, which also features his son, Jaren Jarencio, who serves as an assistant coach for NorthPort in the PBA, along with former UST guards Japs Cuan and Jeric Fortuna, Juben Ledesma, and Ian Herrera.
Former Letran coach Bonnie Tan, a multiple-time NCAA champion, is also part of the staff as a consultant.
Chua, a UST alumnus and former Glowing Goldie, expressed optimism that the Tigers would continue to improve as the UAAP season unfolds.
“We have new kids, madaming bago. Pero I think mas lalapad ‘to, lalong gaganda ang sistema. Tapos ‘yong relationship kay Coach Pido, at saka sa mga player, o-okay,” he said.
Following UST’s 70–55 victory over UE in their Season 87 opener, Jarencio praised his assistant coaches for their contributions in preparing the team through proper scouting.
“Well-prepared kami. [‘Yong] assistant coaches ko, scouting coaches ‘yan sa mga teams nila. Katulad si Coach Peter [Martin], nagsa-scout sa San Miguel. Si Coach Juno [Sauler] gano’n din,” he said. “Well-scouted and well-prepared kami. Kaya I give credit to where credit is due, sa coaching staff ko.”
For Chua, the addition of new coaching staff and players signals a fresh beginning for the Tigers, who are eager for redemption this season.
“Kasi last time naman, wala tayong import. Ibang sitwasyon ‘yon, ngayon sabi ko lang sa kanila ‘tapos na ‘yon, nangyari na ‘yon. We start all over again,” he said.
SMC officially began supporting the UST Growling Tigers in 2023. With SMC’s backing, UST benefits from enhanced financial support to strengthen player recruitment and development.
Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) Director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P., had referred to Chua as UST’s most significant recruit that season.
“More than the financial support, it’s really about the guidance of coach Al in managing our basketball team. ‘Yung growth ng experience ni coach Al ay malaking tulong sa basketball program natin. By far, he is the biggest recruit of UST during this off-season,” Cansancio told the Varsitarian in 2023.
The Growling Tigers will look to match their last season’s win count against the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Wednesday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Rob Andrew L. Dongiapon
