Combining for just six wins in the last three seasons, how far can the retooled UST Growling Tigers go this Season 87?
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers turned to a familiar face last season in hopes of ending an 18-year men’s basketball championship drought.
But it was not the same Pido Jarencio magic, as the Growling Tigers finished dead last at eighth place with a 2-12 win loss record in Season 86.
That means for the third straight year, UST missed the Final Four. And that remains the goal for co-captain Nic Cabañero heading to a brand new season.
“I can say na dadating kami doon [sa Final Four]. But before that, we need to work on it dahil hindi naman ganoon kadali ‘yung competition ng UAAP," Cabañero bared to One Sports.
For the longest time, Cabañero has been the lone bright spot for the Growling Tigers – putting up 17.6 points per game over the past two seasons, all while establishing himself as one of the best pure scorers in the league.
But this time, he has enough help with the additions of Forthsky Padrigao, Kyle Paranada, Geremy Robinson, Chase Lane, Ice Danting, and Zain Mahmood.
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A much deeper roster indeed, and Migs Pangilinan pointed out the main difference from this squad from last year.
“I think the difference this year, I think we have (more talent) now, and we can compete better compared to last year.
“Mas gamay na namin 'yung system na pinapa-implement ng coaches. We have almost two years of preparation, including last year. I think mas competitive kami this year.”
UST holdover Christian Manaytay also highlighted the team’s growth heading to the second year of the Jarencio reign in España.
“Yung growth from last season, marami kaming natutunan so going through this season, napo-polish na namin ‘yung system namin so thankful din kami kila coach Pido, kila coach Peter. Dinagdagan nila ‘yung system namin. “We pushed ourselves to be better.”
In the end, Cabañero is optimistic that the España-based squad is ready to hunt and prey for a much better campaign in Season 87.
"I think we’re ready to growl as tigers this season."
All of a sudden, the Growling Tigers are fully-loaded for the first time since its Season 82 squad that went all the way to the Finals.
The question is can the wild roars and cheers of 'Go USTe!' help UST reach the Final Four and ultimately return back atop of the men’s basketball scene?