A NEW ERA is about to begin for the UST Growling Tigers as former chief tactician Pido Jarencio takes a career leap to the pros.
With Jarencio taking the helm of Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) Globalport Batang Pier and realizing his life-long dream, Fr. Ermito De Sagon, O.P., Institute of Physical Education and Athletics director, said University officials still have yet to decide who among the “more or less eight applicants” would succeed Jarencio.
Get to know the prospects, their background and what they could bring to the Tigers’ bench.
Estong Ballesteros
An assistant coach for the longest time, Ballesteros, who was endorsed by Jarencio, was the early favorite to become the new UST coach.
For point guard Jamill Sheriff, Ballesteros fits just right at the helm as he “already knows the system.”
The number four overall draft pick of the 1997 PBA draft, Ballesteros currently handles the Tigers on an interim basis.
A steady shooter himself, Ballesteros has helped Jeric Fortuna, Jeric Teng, Clark Bautista and Kevin Ferrer develop their three-point shooting.
Siot Tanquingcen
A vital cog in UST’s “four-peat” in the 1990s, Tanquingcen could be one of the most decorated candidates.
He could be the missing piece that will lead the Tigers to their first title since 2006 as he catapulted the Barangay Ginebra Kings and San Miguel Beermen to a combined three championships in the PBA.
However, his current post as Barako Bull consultant could prevent the former Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medalist from coming home to España to coach the new breed of Tigers.
Aric del Rosario
The architect of UST’s four straight championships in the 90s said he would be willing to return to UST as long as the University wants him back, even if he is currently the head coach of the University of Perpetual Help in the NCAA.
“Ako naman kung kailangan ako, hindi naman ako tatanggi, syempre. Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa UST, dyan ako nag-umpisa at sumikat. Hindi naman ako tatanggi kasi gusto ko rin namang mag-serve sa UST,” he said.
Del Rosario coached the Tigers from 1993 to 2004 and also called the shots for Team Philippines during the 2003 SEA Games.
His coaching magic also reached other leagues as he led the Pampanga Dragons to the 1998 title in the inaugural season of the now defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association.
Del Rosario also hurled Perpetual to the Final Four twice after years of futility
Bal David
Known as “The Flash,” who had a knack for clutch shots, David was part of the team that bagged the title in 1994. He played for Ginebra from 1996-2005.
David’s late fieldgoal in Game 2 of the 1994 UAAP Finals led to a 2-0 sweep of De La Salle University, while his game-winner in the 1999 PBA All-Filipino Cup quarterfinals allowed eight-seeded Ginebra to upset top-ranked Mobiline.
“Medyo maiksi ang pasensya ko, pero kung ipatatawag ako, why not, it would be an honor na mag-serve ulit sa aking alma mater, diyan tayo nanggaling eh,” he said.
Gerard Francisco
The 1995 UAAP Rookie of the Year enjoyed success as a Tiger Cub, winning a title with the juniors’ team, and was the Finals MVP when the Sta. Lucia Realtors won the 2001 PBA Governor’s Cup.
“Nagbigay na ako ng application, so anytime kung tawagan ako,” Francisco said. “Malakas pa naman yung team at kahit sino naman ang mag-coach, susuporta pa rin kami. Basta ako, naghihintay lang kung tatawagan ako”.
Bong dela Cruz
The only non-Tiger in the compilation is a former player of the Mapua Cardinals in the NCAA and the Crispa Redmanizers in the PBA.
Dela Cruz is currently the head coach of La Consolacion College-Manila.
