PLAYERS come and go, but with their unparalleled discipline and commitment, these two Tigers will be missed.
For former Growling Tigers team captain Jeric Fortuna and forward Melo Afuang, everything was about basketball and academics, nothing more.
“Hindi sila mabisyong mga bata, wala kang maririnig na may kalokohang ginagawa,” Jarencio said.
The dedication helped bring them to greater heights. Fortuna and Afuang made three Final Four appearances in the last five years, including a shot at the championship trophy last October versus the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
“That’s an achievement for both of them and the team,” Jarencio said.
Fortuna and Afuang’s departure will be felt next season, but Jarencio remains confident about their potential replacements. The Tigers will remain a top contender with a solid frontcourt led by Karim Abdul.
“We have recruited players who have served one-year residency [in UST] and have already been training with the team,” he said. “Some of them have been here for two years and are ripe to be included in next year’s line-up.”
Now that Fortuna and Afuang’s collegiate basketball careers are over, Jarencio is optimistic that they have a bright future ahead.
“I hope Fortuna ventures into the PBA because he has the potentials of becoming a professional player,” he said. “Afuang has finished his course and is currently taking up his master’s degree. I’m certain they will both be successful in whatever career path they choose to take.”
