Confidence replaces frustration for UST coach Pido Jarencio as the Growling Tigers begin to live up to expectations in UAAP Season 87.
Gone are the days of UST head coach Pido Jarencio losing his temper at his wards in the Growling Tigers, as he has maintained a calmer demeanor during the ongoing UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
Just like the team itself, Jarencio has approached the fresh start with an open mind--far from previous versions of himself that would let emotions cloud his judgment.
After leading the team to its first win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles since UAAP Season 78, Jarencio spoke about the change in his personality, and shared that it all had to do with his thoughts on his players.
“Hindi niyo rin ba ako nakita, nagbago na rin ako. 'Di na ako sumisigaw sa mga player,” Jarencio remarked with a smile after the game.
“Kasi nga steady na 'tong mga 'to eh. Malaki ang kumpyansa ko rito, 'yung confidence ko sa mga player ko eh. Kaya bahala na sila, sila na 'yung naglalaro.”
[ALSO READ: UST finally solves Ateneo puzzle as the Growling Tigers end 9-year UAAP drought vs. Blue Eagles]
Against last year’s Final Four team Ateneo, Jarencio gave his players a lot of freedom to decide on their own, even to the point of not calling a timeout during a pivotal fourth quarter.
Though coaches usually give their strategies to players, the veteran tactician makes it a two-way street, and makes sure to listen to what his wards need as well since they are the ones who are out on the court.
“'Di na nga ako nagtime out eh. Tinatanong ko sila kung kailangan ko mag-time out, sabi nila, 'Di na coach, para 'yung momentum nasa atin,'” recalled Jarencio.
“Nung last 20 seconds na lang ako nag-time out. Tatlo pa 'yung timeout ko eh. Ginamit ko na lang para ma-break lang namin 'yung defense [ng Ateneo].”
Still, even as he exudes confidence in what his team can achieve, Jarencio knows there’s a long way to go.
Having already matched last season’s total wins in just their first two games, the 60-year-old knows they haven’t achieved anything just yet.
“Malayo pa 'to. Two games [in the] first round [palang], eh may second round pa 'to. Pero kahit papano nakakakuha na kami ng panalo. Nakakapondo na. Para pagdating ng second round, mas lalong magbabakbakan 'yan, at least nakapondo na tayo ng panalo,” he said.
“Basta ang goal namin is one game at a time, makapasok ng Final Four. 'Yun muna kami,” he added.
UST’s next assignment as part of the goal to reach the Final Four comes on Sunday, as the Growling Tigers face the Adamson Soaring Falcons at the Mall of Asia Arena as a prelude to Ateneo vs La Salle.
Though at 0-2, Jarencio remains wary of their next foes.
“Adamson is a well coached team. Maganda rin 'yung sistema. They have players. We cannot take them for granted. Lahat ng teams dito sa UAAP, 0-2 sila pero alam mo, anytime of the day 'pag biglang pumutok yan eh,” said Jarencio.
“Basta kami, ang focus namin is yung against Adamson na. After this game, wala na, tapos na to eh. Past is past. Look forward na tayo. Ganon kami eh. 'Yun ang utak namin.”