FROM LEAGUE cellar-dwellers to title contenders, the UST Growling Tigers have slowly clawed their way back to relevancy.
Last season, the Tigers ended a five-year semifinals drought with their long-awaited return to the Final Four in UAAP Season 87.
But their dream run was cut short, dashed by a twice-to-beat disadvantage against eventual champs UP Fighting Maroons – the same fate they suffered in their last semifinal appearance back in Season 82.
Despite the heartbreaking end, UST walked away with a bronze and a 7-7 record, more wins than in the previous three seasons combined.
Now armed with battle-tested veterans and a fresh crop of rookies, the once grandslam squad from España is hungrier than ever.
“(We will) do our best, (we will) do it for the UST community, to our family, and to God,” team captain Nic Cabañero said in an interview with The Flame.
New aces, familiar faces
Leading the charge are seniors Cabañero and Forthsky Padrigao in their final playing year.
King Tiger and Season 87 Mythical Five member Cabañero spearheaded UST’s offense with 16.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game last season, narrowly missing out on his third scoring title by just 0.3 points behind reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao.
The six-foot-two combo guard expressed a deeper sense of leadership entering his fifth playing year.
“I feel like my leadership is more solid now, because it’s my last year,” Cabanero said.
“I feel more vocal every time my teammates make mistakes… I’m ready to step up,” he added.
The 21-year-old cager also credited their three-week training camp in South Korea for sharpening their chemistry.
“Our bonding at Korea was a big booster for us to be confident and ready for the upcoming season. It’s where we got to know each other better,” he added.
Padrigao, meanwhile, continues to orchestrate the offense after leading the league in assists last season with 6.7 per game alongside 8.8 points.
Also suiting up for their final playing year are Fil-Am guards Kyle Paranada and Leland Estacio, as well as big man Echo Laure.
After making the switch to UST from UE Red Warriors, Paranada is determined to guide the newest batch of rookies in his final playing year.
“Just by leading them in huddles, on the court or off the court, [I want to lead] by good example,” Paranada said.
The 5’8 shooter has the same mindset as Padrigao entering his final playing year.
“I have the same offensive mentality, if the coaches want me to score or playmake for other people, but also I’ve been working on my defense, I’ve been trying to play two-way more,” he added.
Second stringers such as Gelo Crisostomo, Ice Danting, Ivanne Calum and Mark Llemit also proved their value on the team after noteworthy performances during offseason tournaments
Roaring Rookies
Six newcomers will sharpen the tiger claws in Season 88, three of whom hail from the UST’s juniors program.
Koji Buenaflor, Carl Manding, and Charles Bucsit, fresh from leading the Tiger Cubs to their first championship in 24 years, now continue their journey in the senior ranks.
Paranada looks to guide the rookies in adjusting to the pace of college ball.
“I know they played in high school and they won the championship, but I think it’s a lot different coming into college, if they have any questions, I’ll answer them,” Paranada said.
Joining them is UAAP juniors’ Best Import Collins Akowe, who battled the Tiger Cubs in last year’s finals. The 6-foot-10 Nigerian brings five years of eligibility and an imposing presence in the paint as UST’s foreign student athlete.
Win-or-Bust
The Tigers have left no stone unturned in their Season 88 campaign preparations.
Playing in off-season tournaments such as the Pinoyliga Cup, Filoil Preseason Cup and the Asiabasket, the squad tested themselves against powerhouse teams.
During their Korea training camp, where they faced off against top teams from the Korean Basketball League last August, deputy coach Japs Cuan expressed gratitude for the team’s opportunity to face teams in the international scene.
“The way they play there is different, they have lots of shooters. Coach Pido (Jarencio) got to experiment his player combinations, so it’s a big help for us.” Cuan told The Flame.
The former Growling Tiger also reminded his players of their health as the upcoming season draws near.
“We always remind them to take care of their bodies. Once the UAAP starts, the grind gets heavy, but it’s nice to see that they have the initiative to work on their own,” he added.
Determined to prove their consistency, the Tigers see this season as a “championship-or-bust” situation.
“People only see the games, but the year-long preparations, and the combination of training and studying every day, as athletes, we always need to have a win-or-bust mentality,” he said. F – Joshua Louis Sumanghid and Kurt Andre Trinidad
