New era in España as San Miguel Corp. officially backs UST

"Imbued with unending grace." That is the last line of the University of Santo Tomas hymn, and it fits well with the latest and massive development in its basketball program. 

In a move that could alter the landscape of UAAP and collegiate basketball, San Miguel Corporation has officially backed the UST Growling Tigers. The Varsitarian, UST's official student publication first confirmed the news.

UST-SMC PARTNERSHIP OFFICIAL 🐯🍺

BREAKING: San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has officially committed to supporting the UST Growling Tigers, the Varsitarian has learned.

SMC sports director and UST alumnus Alfrancis Chua was earlier named Special Assistant to the Rector for Basketball. pic.twitter.com/q7JjaZzdCM

— The Varsitarian (@varsitarianust) February 13, 2023

SMC sports director and UST alumnus Alfrancis Chua was also named Special Assistant to the Rector for Basketball. Chua was seen having a meeting with Growling Tigers coach Pido Jarencio and UST-IPEA Director Fr. Rodel Cansancio.

Chua, who formerly played for the Growling Tigers, relayed SMC's commitment during a meeting with UST-IPEA Director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, OP and members of the revamped Tigers coaching staff on Monday night. pic.twitter.com/5AOl0IE7by

— The Varsitarian (@varsitarianust) February 13, 2023

This latest development puts UST on the map as one of the most enticing destination for recruits. SMC's involvement in the program is also expected to generate titles for the Growling Tigers. In recent history, the SMC-backed Letran Knights completed a three-peat in the NCAA.

UST is raring to reclaim the UAAP men's basketball title it last won in 2006. The Growling Tigers had a Cinderella run to the finals in 2019 but missed the Final Four five times in the past seven years.