With new center in tow, Sablan positive Tigers can turn it around

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

With University of Santo Tomas falling to its worst record in the Final Four era at 3-11, coach Boy Sablan is confident that next year will be a better one for the Tigers.

And he’s pinning his hopes on Cameroonian transferee Steve Akomo to turn the team’s fortunes all the way around.

“Wala kaming post, wala kaming threat sa loob kaya malaki ang matutulong nya for next year,” he said.

Sablan has been speaking praises of his prized recruit, who has played previously for the University of the Visayas and even had countless duels with La Salle big man Ben Mbala.

But the mentor knows that Akomo can’t do it all, as he will also count on his locals to provide contributions next season to erase the bitter memories of this year’s campaign.

“Yung mga players, ngayon lang nakapaglaro. For next year, ready na sila dahil may confidence na yang mga yan. Naibigay ko na sa kanila kung ano ang dapat gawin at kailangan na lang nilang ipakita kung ano yung kaya nilang ibigay. Kailangan na lang natin i-develop,” he said.

Louie Vigil, Jamil Sheriff, and Kent Lao are all exiting the Tigers lair, leaving the responsibility to guys like Marvin Lee, Renzo Subido, and Jeepy Faundo next season.

Though this year has been nothing but forgettable, Sablan is looking at it as growing pains believing the best is yet to come for UST.

“May mga magagawa na yan for next year. Positive naman ako sa pinakita nila. With enough time to prepare for next season, tiwala ako na ready na yan,” he said.