The new-look UST Growling Tigers offer more options on offense as Nic Cabañero finally gets much-needed support in the UAAP.
Gone are the days of a one-man show for Nic Cabañero and the UST Growling Tigers, with revamped España roster now offering more options on offense as they seek a better outing in UAAP Season 87.
As evidenced by an opening game blowout of the UE Red Warriors, UST can now lean on more players apart from Cabañero to generate points, with new recruits rising to the occasion for head coach Pido Jarencio.
Among UST’s new faces are foreign student-athlete Mo Tounkara and veteran point guard Forthsky Padrigao. After making decent debuts in their first game for UST in the UAAP, Cabañero believes he can rest easy.
“I think I’m happy for the team na hindi lang ako yung nilo-look forward [to on offense],” Cabañero said after their 70-55 victory over UE on Sunday.
[Related: UAAP: UST Growling Tigers maul UE Red Warriors in emphatic start to Season 87 campaign]
Even if he was the top scorer for the team with 14 markers, Cabañero had lots of help in the victory, with Tounkara even taking Player of the Game honors with 13 points, four rebounds, one assist, and two steals.
Meanwhile, Padrigao flexed his experience with an all-around game of five points, six rebounds, and seven assists. Then, it was key holdover Christian Manaytay who dictated the pace early in the lopsided victory and came up with 10 points himself.
With the rest of the team catching up when it comes to contributing to victory, Cabañero is able to work on the kinks of his own game – especially since he’s looking forward to the next chapter of his career.
“[My coaches are] trying to build me to be a perfect player also. I can’t say na [I’m perfect] but it will help me to groom more and improve, lalo na yung defensive aspect ko,” he said.
“Preparation ko rin ito for [becoming] professional,” Cabañero added.
But more than his personal improvement, Cabañero is delighted to see the team finally rise from the ashes and are showing signs of a winning season.
More than getting the win on the court, Cabañero was delighted to see the UST faithful back in the stands.
“Sobrang grabeng nakakaiba kasi nakikita ko talaga yung support nung UST community and we’re trying to fight back for them also. Binibigay yung best namin to fight for them,” said Cabañero.
“I’m so happy na we got the first win [for them].” he added.
Still, the season won’t be getting easy for the Tigers as the games go along. Next up for new-look UST are the Ateneo Blue Eagles who will be looking for their first win of the season.
They face Padrigao’s former team on Wednesday, September 11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.