GETTING there, but not yet.
University of Santo Tomas is still convincing noted alumnus and San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua to back the Growling Tigers’ campaign in the UAAP under comebacking coach Pido Jarencio.
“Umaasa tayo na makakasama natin siya dito,” Jarencio, who personally invited Chua to a celebratory dinner, said. “Lahat naman tayo iisa lang ang gusto, na matulungan na umangat ulit ang UST.”
Chua met with the new coaching staff and Institute of Physical Education and Athletics director Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio, OP, last Monday and listened to their pitch.
“Kinukumbinsi pa namin si Al. Wala pang final pero malaking bagay kung papayag siya na sumama sa atin dito,” UST team manager Waiyip Chong said.
Chua was a former UST cager who suited up for the Glowing Goldies from 1985 to 1989.
He and Jarencio were teammates in 1985 under the late great tactician Aric del Rosario.
Contrary to earlier reports, the España-based school and Jarencio are talking to Chua to be the special assistant to the Rector for basketball and not SMC as team supporter.
Chua played the role of special assistant to the Rector for Sports Development since 2018 for reigning three-time NCAA champion Letran under coach Bonnie Tan.
Jarencio replaced Bal David, who steered the Tigers to a woeful 1-13 slate– dead last in the eight-team field in the last cage wars.
The Tigers’ lone win of the season came at the expense of Adamson University 69-60 in the league’s opening match.
The likes of prolific scorer Nic Cabañero, Senegalese center Adama Faye, and Paul Manalang are expected to lead UST next season.
