WITH a renewed focus on defense, the UST Growling Tigers are gearing up for another edition of UAAP wars, banking on the services of two big men and an athletic wingman to boost an already veteran core in hopes of finally capturing the elusive basketball crown.
Name: Jeepy Faundo
Age: 17
Height: 6’6’’
High School: Jose Rizal University
Basketball Icon: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
The stalwart from JRU will bring height and athleticism, providing front-court depth to back reliables Karim Abdul, Paolo Pe and Robert Hainga.
Faundo will aim to utilize his 6’6’’ frame to scramble for rebounds, play tough defense and stretch the floor when opposing teams collapse on Abdul.
If Faundo can develop his mid-range game to complement his size, it will be a welcome addition to UST’s offense.
“Makakatulong ako especially sa defense and rebounding pero kailangan ko pang ma-improve yung shooting ko,” he said.
Name: Jon Macasaet
Age: 19
Height: 6’3’’
High School: San Sebastian College
Basketball Icon: Dwight Howard, Los Angeles Lakers
Like Faundo, this former San Sebastian Staglet will provide the Tigers with defense and rebounding.
Macasaet’s heft and soft touch around the baseline are perfect tools against other UAAP centers.
His inside play could open up the perimeter for Jeric Teng, Clark Bautista and Aljon Mariano to drain treys or drive to the basket.
“Importante na makapasok muna sa Final Four, tsaka dapat maging maganda ‘yung samahan namin sa team, ‘yung chemistry namin,” Macasaet said.
Name: Brian James So
Age: 20
Height: 6’2’’
High School: Colegio De San Juan De Letran
Basketball Icon: LeBron James, Miami Heat
Rounding up the set of rookies is Brian So, an athletic wingman from Letran who will is also expected to fortify UST’s defense.
A natural small forward, So admitted he still needed to improve his dribbling and decision-making as Jeric Teng’s reliever at the guard position.
“Kailangan ko talagang ma-improve yung dribbling skills ko para ma-convert ako sa guard,” he said.
So added: “Sana makabalik ulit sa championship.”
