Pido looks to write ‘new story’ in UST’s Final Four return

UST coach Pido Jarencio celebrates after Growling Tigers seal their return to the Final Four in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas coach Pido Jarencio is focused on writing a new narrative for the Growling Tigers in the upcoming UAAP Season 87 Final Four.

Following a third-seed clinching win over Adamson, 75-49, at San Juan Arena on Saturday night, Jarencio reveled in the Tigers’ accomplishment of reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

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Five years is a long time and while it’s good to reminisce over the days of old, Jarencio said it’s time for them to build a story of their own, completely different from the UST underdog story of 2019.

READ: UAAP: UST Tigers–no longer sporting buzz cuts–are buzzing

“I wasn’t the coach then, those moments in 2019 had Renzo Subido’s three-point winning shot. Gawa tayo ng bagong istorya (Let’s make a new story),” said Jarencio.

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“We’ll be the ones making a new story and we’ll see. This is our moment so we’ll make our own story. We have different players now, UP have stronger players now but for me, I’m confident with my players.”

UST Growling Tigers in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament game against Adamson Falcons. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The league has changed drastically five years post-Season 82 when UST, which was then under coach Aldin Ayo, but one thing remained consistent: the Fighting Maroons have constantly been contenders until now.

The Growling Tigers, on the other hand, faced adversities more times than two hands can count.

READ: UAAP: ‘Do-or-die’ approach has UST winning again

Two years after the former Northport mentor reclaimed the coaching post in España, UST finally returned to the playoffs on a more competitive stage, where even Jarencio himself feels pressured.

“I’m pressured myself because my last Final Four was in 2013. I thought this may be the chance to go back… Before, I slept for just five hours. Last night, I slept for 10,” said Jarencio in jest.

In 2019, UST had perennial MVP and Rookie of the Year contenders in Soulemane Chabi-Yo and Mark Nonoy, respectively.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball

In 2024, the Growling Tigers put more emphasis on team play rather than hero ball, giving spotlights to almost everyone in the lineup.

While circumstances may differ, one thing stayed the same. UP will still have a twice-to-beat advantage over UST come the Final Four.

In 2019, UST subdued their disadvantage and UP to match. In 2024, Jarencio hopes to do it again in a “David and Goliath” setting.

“This is a good stepping stone for us. We’re starting now, we just have to persevere because our goal is to be here in the playoffs so we’ll go to work right away and make a game plan on how to beat UP,” Jarencio said.

“It’ll be like David and Goliath, it’ll be a good fight.”