Failure and experience are often the greatest teachers.
This is what the UST Growling Tigers learned on Saturday as they ended their most successful campaign since 2019 in heartbreak, falling to the UP Fighting Maroons, 78-69, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Final Four.
For UST head coach Pido Jarencio, postseason experience was the key difference between the Tigers and the Fighting Maroons, who clinched their fourth consecutive finals appearance after eliminating UST.
However, Jarencio trusts that the setback will set the Tigers up for a better run next year.
“Natutuwa lang ako. Lumaban naman ‘yong mga bata. Mas importante e ayos ‘yong nilalaro ng mga bata,” Jarencio said.
“Sa totoo lang, wala pang naglaro ng Final Four doon sa team ko kundi si Forthsky (Padrigao). Parang bago sa kanila ‘yan, but we gave them a great game.”
Acknowledging UP’s consistency and experience, Jarencio expressed hope that UST’s exposure to high-stakes games will bear fruit in the future.
“Let’s give it to UP. Ganda ng laro rin nila. May experience sila, every year nasa championship sila. Every year nasa playoffs sila,” he said. “Siguro, ma-apply lang namin din sa team namin. Maka-experience kami. Magiging natural na lahat sa players.”
The Tigers will lose Christian Manaytay, Miguel Pangilinan, and Chase Lane, while Nic Cabañero, eligible for one more season, has yet to decide on his future with the team.
Several contributors will remain with the team, including Padrigao, Mo Tounkara and Kyle Paranada.
“Basta i-ready lang namin ‘yong players namin for next year. Tapos matibay na tayo kasi may mga recruit na kaming players,” Jarencio said.
Jarencio emphasized the importance of strengthening the team chemistry in the offseason.
“Tigan natin kung ano ‘yong masasalihan natin (na liga) ulit. Sali tayo. Tapos bonding ulit kami siguro. Kung saan kami nagbibiyahe na magkakasama kami, makapag-train,” he said.
With one year left in his three-year contract, Jarencio is focused on maintaining consistency to sustain the progress UST has established this year.
“Hindi naman lahat instant e, especially ngayong era ng basketball, iba na e…Kaya basta kami, ‘yon lang, maging consistent lang kami. Tapos ‘yong program, tuloy-tuloy lang. Tignan natin next year kung paano naman tayo.” with reports Venerando P. Pagaduan VII
