The UST Tiger Cubs enter UAAP Season 89 with a new-look roster, a new Cabañero on board and a defense-first identity, hoping to finally break through after consecutive bronze finishes.
UST will rely heavily on newcomers this season, with 12 rookies set to make their UAAP debuts and only four players returning from last year’s squad.
The team’s youth movement comes after several departures. Miguel Jubilado, CJ Tabugga and Dave Regala have moved up to the 19-under division, while 2025 Rookie of the Year Rowie Cabañero transferred to Mapúa University.
Adding a familiar name to the roster is Nicolai Cabañero, who becomes the third sibling in the family to suit up for UST after former Growling Tiger Nic Cabañero and Tiger Cub Andwele Cabañero.
The Tiger Cubs are also counting on a stronger defensive foundation after head coach Noli Mejos made defense the centerpiece of their offseason preparation.
“Nag-focus kami sa defense, this week puro defense drills kami kasi ‘yong offense basta sumusunod [sa sistema] andyan lang,” Mejos told the Varsitarian.
Mejos said the young players still have to adjust to the more structured basketball environment in Manila, particularly with the demands of UAAP competition, academics and campus culture.
“Mas systematic dito sa Manila kaysa sa province, kaya malaking adjustment lalo na sa academics saka sa culture,” he said.
Team captain Wayne Anggot will be among the few familiar faces tasked with guiding the young Tiger Cubs, alongside forward Lanse Duenas and guards Rashid Retaga and Nathan Bathan.
“Going into this season, the expectation is higitan pa ‘yong sa last year,” Anggot told the Varsitarian.
The Tiger Cubs also added Kian Aboboto, Junio Cuello, June Esusan, Mcryan Macasarte and Cabañero, along with forward Kirby Collado, Eldoon Eusebio, Miguel Austria, Rain Jardinico, Kishan Samaniego, Chris Olango and Rayden Umbana.
UST went 10-4 in last season’s elimination round and earned the No. 2 seed before falling to the FEU-D Baby Tamaraws in the stepladder semifinals. Eligibility issues also forced key players Raj Sidhu, Everaigne Cruz and Roi Balague to miss the entire campaign.
The Tiger Cubs open their Season 89 campaign against defending champion National University-Nazareth School Bullpups on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the FEU Diliman Sports Complex in Quezon City. Charles Martin A. Manalang
