The Growling Tigers keep getting better as far as recruitment is concerned.
The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers just got an extra boost with the addition of Mark Llemit and Jun Melecio.
The two have committed to play for the Growling Tigers, who have also netted notable high school standouts like SJ Moore, Gab Obusan, Rhayaan Amsali, and James Una.
Coach Pido Jarencio, tasked to regain the program's glory after its one-win campaign in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament, couldn’t help but be thrilled with his new recruits.
“Exciting para sa amin ‘yung addition nitong dalawang rookies. Mas lalalim ‘yung guard rotation namin at mas titindi ‘yung competition dito,” said Jarencio.
The two 18-year-old cagers are eligible to play for the black and gold squad in Season 86.
Llemit decided to stay in España after leading the Tiger Cubs to a Final Four appearance in the UAAP junior’s basketball competition and the Division 1 semifinals of the Smart-NBTC National Finals.
Ranked 19th in the NBTC, the 6-foot-3 winger from Laak, Davao de Oro averaged 16.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 steals.
“Sobrang excited ako kasi dito ako nagsimula. Gusto ko kung saan ako nagsimula, doon din ako sa next level,” said Llemit.
Meanwhile, Melecio, the younger brother of Converge FiberXers spitfire guard Aljun, is also pumped to continue his basketball career donning a black and gold jersey.
“Gagawin ko lahat dito. Kung paano ko minahal ‘yung La Salle, ganoon din ‘yung nafi-feel ko sa UST,” said Melecio, who normed 8.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.2 steals for De La Salle Zobel Junior Archers.
“Kaya motivated ako na gawin ‘yung best ko to help UST win as much games as possible.”