WITH the departure of star playmaker Jeric Fortuna and veteran slotman Carmelo Afuang, can the Growling Tigers improve on their runner-up finish and secure the title in the new UAAP season?
The España-based squad, which finished last season with a 10-4 win-loss record, will gun for the championship this year under the leadership of team captain Jeric Teng. Returning guards Edcor Marata and Jamil Sheriff will try to fill in the hole left by Fortuna, while Kent Lao will help fortify the Tigers’ front court.
“Ed Daquioag, Clark Bautista, Marata, Sheriff and Robin Tanare responding well. They have gained experience and are more mature in decision-making,” coach Pido Jarencio said.
The triumvirate of Teng, Aljon Mariano and Cameroonian Karim Abdul is again expected to lead the Tigers, whose intact lineup make them an early favorite to win the championship.
“This year’s roster is more cohesive despite some players being out because of their games in the PBA D-League,” Jarencio said. “I have confidence on how Teng, Mariano and Abdul will steer the team this year. They just need to be consistent all throughout the season.”
Bench production is something else for UST. Players outside of the starters combined for only 20.7 points per game last season.
“The bench needs to contribute to the team since they have already gained the experience they need,” said Jarencio, who described his wards as only “70 percent ready” based on their pre-season performance.
Still, he was confident that the team peak at the right time.
“Our aim is to get the championship this year by focusing on our defense,” he said.
