Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Can the UST Growling Tigers claw back from a dismal Season 77?
That’s the question the Tigers have to answer once the new University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season tips off on Saturday (September 5) at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
IN PHOTOS: UAAP Season 78 press conference
Under the tutelage of coach Bong Dela Cruz, who replaced fan-favorite Pido Jarencio, the España-based cagers struggled mightily last year with a 5-9 slate, and were only good for sixth place.
Now armed with a healthy roster, Dela Cruz, who endured jeers from the UST community following a horrendous campaign, hopes to put the woebegone team back on the league’s map.
“Competitive yung team this year,” said the embattled coach, who is using this chance to prove he is fit for the job.
“Yung preparation namin last year maiksi lang, ngayon mahaba na. Naayos namin lahat ng dapat ayusin.”
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Dela Cruz said he is banking on veterans Kevin Ferrer, Cameroonian reinforcement Karim Abdul, Ed Dacquioag, Louie Vigil, and Kent Lao in UST’s bid to make the final four again.
“Spread out ang offense this year,” he said. “Ang goal namin is makapasok ng final four. Pero one game at a time lang, step by step lang.”
He added, “Gusto nila mag-exit sa UAAP ng nasa taas. Yun yung laging nasa puso nila. Gusto nila maging better ang showing ng UST this year.”
UST team captain Ferrer is up to the task.
“Hindi ko na iniintindi yung pressure sa akin basta maglalaro lang ako,” he said.
“I’ll do my best to carry the school. Sinasabihan ko rin yung mga teammates ko na kailanga i-angat namin laro namin para sa school.”
UST will open its Season 78 campaign against Adamson Flacons on Saturday (September 5).
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