Dec. 19, 2014, 5:41 p.m. – UST GROWLING Tigers assistant
coach Ernesto “Estong” Ballesteros has formally resigned from his duties to
focus on other matters.
In a phone interview with the Varsitarian Friday,
Ballesteros said he originally planned to leave with former head coach Pido
Jarencio earlier this year.
But he said he stayed when asked by new chief tactician Bong
dela Cruz to stay put.
“Plano ko na rin sumabay kay coach Pido kaso nag-stay naman
ako dahil kinausap ako ni coach Bong,” he said.
He said his decision to leave with Jarencio was his way of
showing respect to the charismatic coach who had brought him during the Jeric
Teng era.
After the Tigers limped out of UAAP Season 77, Ballesteros
informed Dela Cruz that it was time for him to go.
Ballesteros has been missing games and training sessions of
the Growling Tigers since October. But
he filed his resignation letter to the UST administration only this month.
The former Growling Tiger, who was part of the legendary
four-peat squad of the 1990s, denied rumors that he had ill feelings toward
Dela Cruz, who got the head coaching job even if Ballesteros had been endorsed
by Jarencio.
With his exit, Ballesteros said he would focus on his roles
as head coach of the Philippine National Police basketball team and assistant
coach of the Tanduay Light in the PBA D-League.
Despite his departure, Ballesteros said he was still open to
returning to his alma mater in the future.
“Lagi ko naman pinagpe-pray na kung pagkalooban ng nasa
itaas na makabalik tayo diyan, why not, galing naman ako diyan,” he said. By the
Sports team
