MANILA, Philippines — The UST Growling Tigers look promising four games into the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament, turning the corner from the past three seasons especially in Season 86 where they finished deadlast with a 2-12 slate.
With coach Pido Jarencio steering the wheel and the infusion of recruits Forth Padrigao, Kyle Paranada, and foreign student athlete Mo Tounkara, hope abounds for UST which already surpassed its win total last season.
The Growling Tigers picked up their third win in four games after turning back the NU Bulldogs, 67-64, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, rising to third place in the standings.
Having been in the doldrums of the UST program which saw the Espana-based team collect six wins from Seasons 84 to 86 only, fourth year player Christian Manaytay believes the Growling Tigers will go places this season.
"I'm just happy because we were always losing from the previous years. Our winning culture was withering away," said Manaytay, who logged 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists against NU.
"Thank God coach Pido came here and our recruits Forthsky and Kyle Paranada, they're a huge boost to the team. On that note alone, I know we're gonna go somewhere this season."
Manaytay shared that there was a point in time that he was losing his desire to play because of the Growling Tigers losing seasons but it's different now.
"I felt like I'm losing my desire to play because we were always losing but now I think we have a good chance," shared Manaytay.
Of course, the whole UST community is feeling the positive shift, with tickets selling out due to strong demand from the students and the alumni.
"The UST community is supporting us," said Jarencio.
"At least now, there are a lot of them watching unlike last year when it seemed like only four people were watching and some twelve who are our relatives. At least now, there's a lot from UST watching. The tickets at IPEA (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics) are being sold out."