THIS former UST High School standout hopes to finally become a full-fledged Growling Tiger.
Alvin Ungria, a former UAAP juniors mythical five member who averaged 15.7 points and 11.3 rebounds per game during his senior year, was relegated to Team B due to the presence of more established wingmen in Jeric Teng and Kevin Ferrer.
With Teng now in the PBA, Ungria hopes to move up to Team A and finally fulfill his potential.
Undersized for the forward position, the 5'11" Ungria is working on his dribbling skills to fill in the shooting guard position left vacant by Teng.
“Okay lang sa’kin munang maging role player, tutulungan ‘yung team, sunod lang sa sinasabi ng coach,” he said should he make the cut.
“Marami rin bago ngayon, pero training lang baka sakaling makuha na sa Team A.”
Despite being a reserve thus far, Ungria kept himself in shape as a member of the College of Commerce and Business Administration basketball team.
He recently led the Commerce team to the Thomasian Goodwill Games title and was named Most Valuable Player.
The 18-year-old forward says hard work, discipline and his love for basketball will keep him loyal to UST despite being scouted by De La Salle University after high school.
“Sipag lang naman ako eh, ‘yun lang ang puhunan ko. Tulog nang maaga tapos pagkagising pumunta muna sa church to pray bago mag-drills. Kailangan ko kasi alagaan ‘yung katawan ko,” he said.
Ungria, along with fellow Tiger Cubs “Big 3” Prince Martin and Nicko Bahia, is aware of the stiff competition to land a slot at Team A.
“Full effort ang binibigay ko. My responsibilities as a player, ibibigay ko para sa team, para sa UST,” he said.
He is looking forward to providing immediate impact if he makes it this coming Season 77.
“Syempre mas gusto ko naman makaabot sa team A,” Ungria said. “Pero kung kulang pa, mas gusto ko pa ma-improve ‘yung sarili ko para pagdating ko dun, wala nang problema sa basketball, tuluy-tuloy na.” with reports from Delfin Ray M. Dioquino
