WHEN YOU finish nearly at the bottom in a UAAP basketball season, there’s nowhere to go but up.
Such is the situation now confronting the Tigers, whose 4-10 win-loss record bested only a winless University of the Philippines squad.
But UST coach Pido Jarencio promised that the story would be different in the coming season 74, especially with an inspired team on UST’s 400th founding anniversary.
“The team is more intact this year than last year,” he said.
Despite their untimely exit in the Filoil-Flying V Preseason Premiere Cup, the Tigers found a measure of confidence after after outclassing NCAA runner-up San Sebastian College and UAAP powerhouse De La Salle University Green Archers in the tournament.
“I’m positive for this UAAP season because we saw how other teams played,” Jarencio said. “We beat La Salle and San Sebastian. That means we’re already good for UAAP.”
Jarencio said a Final Four slot would not be far-fetched given to UST’s speed, outside shooting and improved inside game.
“The team that I built this UAAP season is competitive and will surely fight,” he said.
The triumvirate of veteran Jeric Fortuna, hotshot Clark Bautista and gunner Jeric Teng will be the main scoring options, particularly from the perimeter.
“I will make sure that our team will be motivated, focused, and prepared each game,” said Fortuna the new team captain. “Our team will do its best to win every game.”
New Tigers
The Tigers will be missing contributions from sophomore standouts Eduardo Daquiaog and Aljon Mariano. Daquiaog is suffering from an undisclosed illness while Mariano suffered an arm injury.
The apparent handicap puts pressure on the rookies.
“Mas matigas ang team natin ngayon kasi mas matigas yung mga papalit (sa mga nawala),” Jarencio said.
Ex-Tiger Cubs superstar Kevin Ferrer is expected to be a scoring threat in the guard- heavy UST squad. Point guards Jamil Sheriff and Robin Tan are both quick but will have to show poise and maturity in dictating offense.
Cameroonian big man Karim Abdul and forwards Daniel de Guzman, Loui Vigil, and Ron Javier will take care of the rebounding.
