UST welcomes head coach Pido Jarencio back with a luncheon yesterday. Contributed photo
Tough task for Jarencio, Tigers
DESPITE the tremendous odds, Pido Jarencio hopes to run it back by winning another UAAP men’s basketball title for University of Santo Tomas.
In his coaching debut with the Growling Tigers in 2016, Jarencio gave his alma mater 18th and most recent championship in improbable fashion.
“Mahirap yung trabahong inilatag para sa atin, kaya importante na magsimula tayo na matatag yung pundasyon nitong mga bata,” said Jarencio. “Dapat dalhin nila yung pride na nire-represent nila yung UST.”
Jarencio signed his three-year contract to return to España yesterday as he was formally welcomed by the Dominican priests led by Rector Fr. Richard G. Ang, OP and Institute of Physical Education and Athletics director Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio, OP.
Known for his “Pride, Puso, Palaban” mantra, the 58-year-old mentor carried the Growling Tigers to three Finals appearances and six Final Four berths in his eight-year run that lasted until 2013.
Now that he’s returning home, Jarencio knows that there’s still a lot of catching up to do in order to bring the glory back to UST, which is coming off a forgettable one-win season last year.
“Marami tayong kailangang ayusin, pero importante sa atin na nagtitiwala yung mga bata sa sistema na inilalatag natin para sa kanila,” Jarencio said.
Incoming third-year forward Nic Cabañero is committed to lead the charge anew for the Growling Tigers as they aim to gain respectability and make a run for the Final Four in Season 86 later this year.
Joining Jarencio’s staff are team managers Waiyip Chong and Eric Ang, and assistant coaches Japs Cuan, Juben Ledesma, Lester del Rosario, Jeric Fortuna, and Jaren Jarencio, strength and conditioning coach Reil Vinard Espino, physical therapists RC Cua and Jose Aveluni Vergara, and academic coach Ian Herrera.
Three-time NCAA champion coach Bonnie Tan will also serve as the team consultant.
“Puro Tomasino ang kasama natin kaya malaki ang tiwala ko na yung binubuo naming team, lalaban lang hanggang dulo para sa UST,” said Jarencio.
