Christian Manaytay nearly lost his motivation to play, after experiencing only six wins across three seasons. Now, with the UST Growling Tigers holding a 3-1 record in UAAP Season 87, he's seeing the light.
It’s been a long time coming for Christian Manaytay as he gets a taste of what is shaping up to be a winning culture for the UST Growling Tigers in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
Manaytay had only experienced a total of six wins across his first three seasons in the Tigers’ den.
But now, as UST flaunts a 3-1 record in their four games this season, the light is finally showing in his final year.
After an instrumental performance in the Growling Tigers’ comeback win over the NU Bulldogs on Saturday night, Manaytay bared that he almost lost his motivation in playing basketball after UST’s tough seasons in previous years.
"It made me think na, is basketball for me? Mga ganung bagay. 'Yung paniniwala ko lang talaga, I prayed na, 'Lord, I really hope this is part of the process.' I think process is everything," he told One Sports. "Kasi doon makikita if you're already maturing o tinatanggap mo 'yung role mo."
"Kailangan mo lang maging matatag talaga."
As they begin to discover their team’s identity under the tutelage of decorated coach Pido Jarencio, Manaytay is glad to be part of the journey.
“Masaya lang [ako], kasi coming from previous years, puro kami talo. Parang nawawala 'yung winning culture namin. Thank God pumunta rito sina Coach Pido, dagdag din mga new recruit namin like Forthsky [Padrigao], sila Kyle Paranada, malaking boost sila sa team namin and doon pa lang, alam ko lang na we're gonna go somewhere this season,” he said dropping 14 points against NU.
“'Yung nararamdaman ko dati, parang nawawalan na ako ng gana maglaro noon eh kasi we're always losing. But now, I think may chance kami ngayon.”
Manaytay isn’t the only one who has turned optimistic with how the season has been turning out.
Even Jarencio himself, who also handled the Tigers last season, felt proud to see his team is finally giving itself a fighting chance.
“Basta sabi ko lang sa kanila, we don't give up until the last second. Down by one o down by two, gagawa kami ng paraan para manalo,” said Jarencio.
“Ito na 'yung character ng team na gusto ko, ito na 'yung team na binuo namin, which through the years maging steady na 'yung UST program.” he added.
Despite their recent success, a huge challenge is awaiting the Growling Tigers next weekend as they face defending champions La Salle Green Archers on Sunday, September 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Both Manaytay and Jarencio will just be banking on how much they can prepare for reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao and company.
“We're gonna prepare for sure. Mahaba 'yung week na 'yun, so we're gonna come up with schemes para mai-stop 'yung players nila and how to play them.” said Manaytay.
“Basta magpe-prepare kami sa La Salle. Alam niyo naman andiyan 'yung reigning MVP, Kevin Quiambao. Tapos anlalaki nila. Mahirap talunin, pero susubukan namin. Ganun lang naman 'yun,” quipped Jarencio.