UST OFFICIALS did not have to look far to find the next Growling Tigers’ head coach, but the choice came as a shock to many.
Segundo “Bong” Dela Cruz III, who was tapped to replace Pido Jarencio, said he himself was surprised with the administration’s decision.
“Nagulat ako na ako ‘yung pinili. Hindi ko akalain na ako ang magiging coach ng UST Tigers,” said Dela Cruz, one of Jarencio’s former assistant coaches.
The former UST Tiger Cub turned Adamson Falcon was picked over Siot Tanquincen, Aric Del Rosario, Gerard Francisco and assistant coach Estong Ballesteros, who was endorsed by Jarencio himself.
Dela Cruz will take over an intact team that is fresh from two UAAP Finals heartbreaks.
Aljon Mariano and Karim Abdul were named co-captains by Jarencio right before the Philippine Collegiate Champions League in December. They will get to keep the roles under Dela Cruz, who will also bank on the scoring of Kevin Ferrer.
Dela Cruz said there would be no major adjustzments in the team’s system and style of play. UST will remain as a run-and-gun team to suit the current roster.
“Same pa rin naman (style of play and system) although kaunting adjustments lang,” he said. “Kung ano ‘yung fit sa mga bata, ‘yun ang ina-adopt ko.”
Despite having a competitive team, the rookie coach pointed out that the adjustment would be a two-way process between him and the new players.
“Kailangan mag-adjust sila sa system ko and mag-adjustdin ako sa kanila,” he said.
Over a month into his new task, the mild-mannered coach admitted that the team was still taking things “one step at a time.”
The Growling Tigers will gun for another Finals appearance, but this time, determined to capture the championship.
Dela Cruz said the road back to the Finals would not be easy.
“Actually mahirap talaga dumating sa championship. I cannot predict our chances basta we should learn every game until we reach the Final Four and then hopefullymakarating kami sa championship,” he said.
“As long as the players work hard as a team, malaki ‘yung chance.”
With the departure of top gunner player Jeric Teng, Dela Cruz is looking at a more balanced team with an array of offensive weapons in Abdul, Mariano, Ferrer, Ed Daquioag and the returning Louie Vigil, who sat out last season due to academic problems.
“I want everybody to be involved in scoring. What we need is for everybody to contribute,” he said.
As he takes on a new coaching era, Dela Cruz urged theThomasian community to have patience with the team and continue believing.
“Ang messagehhh ko lang sa Thomasian community ay ‘yungpatience lang at ‘yung tiwala nila sa team,” he said.
The Growling Tigers opted to skip this year’s Fil-Oil Flying V tournament. They are seeing action in the Fr. Martin preseason cup to focus more on developing chemistry for UAAP Season 77.
