UST GROWLING Tigers head coach Pido Jarencio and UST Tiger Cubs tactician Manu Inigo will remain at the helm of the University of Santo Tomas’ basketball programs.
Both Jarencio and Inigo have secured contract extensions, allowing them to sustain their initiatives and reforms in their respective squads.
“It’s only fair to extend him (Jarencio) because three years is too short for him to really sow the benefits,” an insider from the UST basketball program quoted Institute of Physical Education and Athletics Director and Regent Fr. Rodel Casancio, OP as saying.
Jarencio is no stranger to success in España, having coached UST to its last UAAP men’s basketball championship in 2006 before returning to the program in 2023.
His comeback season proved challenging, as the Tigers finished with a 2–12 record, but the veteran mentor quickly steered the team back on track, guiding UST to consecutive Final Four appearances in UAAP Seasons 87 and 88.
Meanwhile, the insider said Casancio had described the extension of Inigo’s stint as Tiger Cubs coach as a “no brainer” because the high school program is “running well.”
Inigo led the Tiger Cubs to its first UAAP high school basketball championship in 24 years during Season 87.
“We are very happy and grateful for the trust and support of Father Rodel and the whole UST community,” Inigo told The Flame.
“This gives us more reasons to work harder and do better. It also motivates us to stick to our goals and continue strengthening our system.”
With his extension, Inigo said the coaching staff would continue to focus on recruiting and developing players to further bolster the program.
“We will try to join international leagues so we can expose our players to different styles of basketball,” he added.
During his homily at the Tiger Cubs’ send-off ahead of their Season 88 campaign, Casancio shared that UST’s vision is to establish the best high school basketball program in the country.
“I know we’re one of the best, but let’s strive to be the best of the best,” he said. F
