UST coach accused of abusing players

UST head coach Bong Dela Cruz with Jamil Sheriff. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Complaints of physical abuse allegedly inflicted by coach Bong dela Cruz on his players prompted University of Santo Tomas to order an investigation and ban the men’s basketball mentor from team practices.

Four sources, including two former players, accused Dela Cruz of subjecting the team to “verbal and physical abuse,” the school’s official publication, The Varsitarian, said Friday.

The report said Dela Cruz “hit and threw expletives at players during practices and games,” with the sources revealing that certain rookies were punched and dealt with harsh punishments such as 1,000 push-ups.

Dela Cruz, who took over the Tigers’ helm in 2014, has not returned calls or messages from any media outlet.

Fr. Ermito de Sagon, OP, director of the school’s Institute of Physical Education and Athletics, had refused to disclose the reason behind Dela Cruz’s ban. But he said the coach is undergoing a probe on “our basketball program in reference to the University’s policies.”

De Sagon also said that Dela Cruz “cannot handle the practices until [the university has] made a decision.”

Talks of Dela Cruz’s possible successor already surfaced as his contract is also set to expire in April. Among the leading candidates—all UST alumni—are ex-pros Bal David and Bennett Palad, former UST champion coach Pido Jarencio’s deputies Boy Sablan and Estong Ballesteros, and varsity mentor Jinino Manansala.