SIGNED. Sealed. Delivered.
Champion coach Pido Jarencio officially signed a three-year contract yesterday to return calling the shots for University of Santo Tomas, with Dominican priests led by Rector Fr. Richard G. Ang, OP and Institute of Physical Education and Athletics director Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio, OP welcoming him back with open arms.
“Mahirap iyong trabahong inilatag para sa atin, kaya importante na magsimula tayo na maitatag iyong pundasyon nitong mga bata,” Jarencio, who took over from Bal David at the helm of the Growling Tigers, said.
“Dapat dalhin nila iyong pride na nire-represent nila, iyong UST,” he added.
In his second stint with the España-based cagers, Jarencio said his sights are trained on leading UST back to the Promised Land.
Known for his “Pride, Puso, Palaban” mantra, Jarencio, 58, is hoping to regain the old magic he displayed 17 years ago when he steered the Tigers to the UAAP crown in 2006 – his first year with the team.
He coached UST for eight years, guiding the team to two more finals appearances before being hired as tactician of GlobalPort (now-NorthPort) in the PBA.
“Marami tayong kailangang ayusin, pero importante sa atin na nagtitiwala iyong mga bata sa sistema na inilalatag natin para sa kanila,” he said.
“Puro Tomasino ang kasama natin kaya malaki ang tiwala ko na ‘yung binubuo naming team, lalaban hanggang dulo para sa UST.”
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 of Letran will also serve as team consultant.
David steered the Tigers to a woeful 1-13 slate– dead last in the eight-team field, in the last UAAP season. The team’s lone win 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 the Tigers next season.
Cabañero led the team last year with 17.75 points, 6.75 rebounds, and 2.75 assists in 30 minutes of play.
David took over the helm, replacing Jiñino Manansala last July in the Tigers’ bid to regain lost glory.
Under Manansala, the Tigers finished with a 3-11 record in the 84th season last summer.
