After leading UST to the UAAP Season 86 title, Tantoy Ferrer and Nikki Villasin are still with the Tigresses in Season 87, albeit in different roles.
UAAP Season 86 Finals MVP Tantoy Ferrer and Nikki Villasin may have exhausted their eligibility for the UST Growling Tigresses, but that doesn’t mean they have to stop supporting the team as they filled roles in head coach Haydee Ong’s staff for UAAP Season 87.
Almost nothing changed for the reigning champions, as the only key losses from last season’s title campaign were still at the bench albeit at a different capacity.
Joining the team on a volunteer basis, Ferrer and Villasin are aiding the team in their quest for back-to-back UAAP women’s basketball titles.
“They’re volunteering for the team. Because that’s how they love the team.” said Ong after gaining their first win at the expense of the UE Lady Warriors Sunday in the women’s basketball side of UAAP Season 87.
“So kahit na walang sweldo, walang ano, nandiyan sila every time na may practice yung UST.”
Ferrer, for her part, is listed as an assistant coach for Ong, while Villasin is part of the support staff for the squad.
The veteran head coach underscored the importance of having both veterans still with the team, especially for Ferrer who is now mentoring a new batch of UST bigs as they seek to adjust to her absence in the paint.
“Tantoy is part of Gilas so pag wala siyang alis, nagpa-practice player siya and then she keeps on inspiring yan sila Amby [Ambos]. Talagang pinu-push niya yung mga bigs.” said the tactician.
“Malaking impact yun for the players and also for us na nandiyan pa rin sila Nikki at si Tantoy.”
The duo’s lasting influence proved crucial from the get-go as the new leaders of the team for Season 87 were able to ease into their role in the 86-44 victory over the Lady Warriors.
Ambos had a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds in an efficient game. Reigning MVP Ken Pastrana also had a game for herself with 15 markers, five boards, seven assists, two steals, and one block.
After the match, Ambos said that her strong start had a lot to do with her former teammates that were able to offer timely advice.
“Malaking bagay po nandiyan po sila nag-guide samin kung ano po yung mga adjustments namin at mga kakulangan sa loob ng court.” said Ambos.
“Malaking bagay po at saka naging positive din po sa amin na makita lang namin silang dalawa sa bench, malaking bagay po talaga.” she added.
Ferrer and Villasin are expected to share their valuable experience on the sidelines as the season goes on.
The UST Growling Tigresses play the Ateneo Blue Eagles next on Wednesday, September 11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.