PIDO THRILLED AS UST TIGER CUBS STAR TRIO COMMIT TO STAY PUT

FOR University of Santo Tomas head coach Pido Jarencio, the transition of three Tiger Cubs to the Growling Tigers is a testament to the continuity of a program that they are building in España.

"Pinakamalaki dito yung tiwala, tiwala ng players sa binubuo natin dito sa UST kaya masaya kami na gusto nilang sumama sa gusto naming ma-achieve," the veteran coach told SPIN.ph.

Bluechip rookies Koji Buenaflor, Charles Bucsit, and Carl Manding formalized their commitment to UST on Monday in a meeting with Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, OP and team manager Waiyip Chong.

READ UST goes 4-of-4 as Buenaflor leads Tiger Cubs in moving up

The three were integral parts of the Tiger Cubs which ruled the UAAP Season 87 boys basketball tournament under coach Manu Iñigo.

Jarencio believes that this pipeline from the high school to the college ranks is proof of the strong foundation that they are building in the Growling Tigers lair.

"Malaki yung pasasalamat natin kay Manu at kay boss Jarvis [Co] kasi maganda yung naging development ng mga players at gusto nating ipagpatuloy yun pagdating nila dito sa seniors," he said.

The three join a promising youth brigade for UST which also includes another homegrown stud in Mark Llemit as well as Amiel Acido, Gelo Crisostomo, and Zain Mahmood.

Nic Cabañero and Forthsky Padrigao will still lead the charge for the Growling Tigers as they have their swansong this UAAP Season 88.

2025-04-21T08:08:49Z