Jarencio vocal on return to Tigers but ‘no response’ from UST yet

Pido Jarencio. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

BOCAUE — First love never dies.

And for coach Pido Jarencio, he’s not giving up on his hope to once again return to his beloved alma mater University of Santo Tomas.

Just like a persistent suitor, the 53-year-old mentor dropped hints on his Twitter account seemingly about knocking on UST’s doors.

“Pano ba manligaw? Ang tagal ko na nanliligaw ayaw pa rin ako sagutin! #gouste,” Jarencio tweeted on Christmas eve.

(How do you court? I’ve been pursuing for so long but there’s still no response!)

Pano ba manligaw? Ang tagal ko na nanliligaw ayaw pa rin ako sagutin! # gouste

— pidojarencio (@pidojarencio1) December 25, 2017

Jarencio has been vocal about his willingness to again call the shots for the Growling Tigers, a team he led to a UAAP title in 2006 as well as two other Finals appearances, the last of which in 2013. He is currently the head coach of GlobalPort in the PBA.

And on Monday, the PBA legend doubled down on his plea.

“Ang tagal sumagot eh. Pero okay lang, manliligaw pa rin ako. Nagpapaturo nga ako kung sino marunong manligaw eh para mapasagot ko,” he said with a chuckle after GlobalPort fell to NLEX in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup at Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

(There’s still no response. But it’s okay, I’ll still court. I actually want to learn how to court because I really want to get an answer.)

Asked if he can manage having to handle coaching duties with GlobalPort and possibly with UST, Jarencio doesn’t seem to be too concerned.

“Madali naman tayo, matibay tayo. Wala naman tayong ibang alam kundi basketball lang,” he said. “Sana ba kung science ang usapan o kaya football, di ko na kaya yun. Basketball din naman yun eh. Isa lang ang trabahong gagawin natin.”

(It’s still basketball. It’s the same kind of work and it’s part of my expertise. It’s not as if it’s science or football which I won’t be able to do.)

UST has yet to name a head coach following the ouster of coach Boy Sablan, who amassed a 4-24 record in his two-year tenure, including a 1-13 slate this past UAAP Season 80.

Potential successors who are reportedly in the running for the post are former Ginebra playmaker Bal David, GlobalPort team manager Bonnie Tan. Aldin Ayo was once reported to replace Sablan but he squashed rumors about his potential move after reaffirming his commitment with La Salle.

Tigresses assistant coach Arsenio Dysangco is currently overseeing the team practices for the Growling Tigers.