UAAP: Not yet time to panic for UST Tigers despite winless start

FILE–UST coach Pido Jarencio and the UST Growling Tigers coaching staff. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—With its comebacking coach and new backer, University of Santo Tomas was seen as a team that would regain its mighty growl against the competition in UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament.

Yet, after four games in the young season, the Growling Tigers still seemed nowhere near a top contender form this season.

Despite the situation, though, UST assistant coach Japs Cuan said there’s no reason to push the panic button just yet, especially this early in the tourney.

“I don’t think it’s the right time to press the panic button because honestly, I still believe in the team and the players,” said Cuan after UST’s demoralizing 87-69 loss to National University at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

“The only problem is our shots. They’re not falling, but I think eventually, we’ll get one [win].”

There was barely any silver lining in UST’s most recent defeat at the hands of a feisty Bulldogs squad, which was extra motivated after losing against University of the Philippines on Saturday.

Nic Cabañero was at his usual form, scoring 16 points despite the suffocating NU defense. The other cager who had a double-digit outing was Christian Manaytay with 18 points as well as nine rebounds.

Manaytay also emphasized Cuan’s sentiment on avoiding going into panic mode, saying that the squad is keen on thinking positive despite their record.

“We’re 0-4, no wins since last season so our morale’s low but coach Pido (Jarencio) gives us the positive side of things and he told us not to think of the distractions because this one is done. We’re on to the next game and we’ll think positive because if we think about these more, we’ll be filled with negative thoughts.”

BIG MAN DILEMMA

UST big man Adama Faye against UE defenders. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The Bulldogs came out as the more fluid machine on offense but another aspect they dominated was the rebounding department.

Coach Jeff Napa’s wards—quite literally—towered over Jarencio’s cagers as they defeated UST on the boards, 45-25.

The lopsided count of boards can easily be tracked down due to the Growling Tigers playing all-Filipino and without foreign student-athlete, Adama Faye.

When asked about the situation of Faye, however, Cuan couldn’t quite give a direct answer.

The assistant mentor just disclosed that Faye is currently nursing an aching back. He didn’t give any timetable on the center’s return.

“We just want him to be a hundred percent because right now, coach’s approach is, whoever’s there at a hundred percent, we’ll focus there. Hopefully, he recovers soon… I think he feels something on his back and I don’t know the extent but he said he can’t move much so we’re just hoping he recovers.”

That problem will be a huge crucible for the Tigers who are aiming to assert their dominance in the league anew, as they are set to face the league leaders, Fighting Maroons, on Saturday.

And Cuan is well aware of the problem, especially since earlier, reigning league MVP Malick Diouf got 11 points and 20 rebounds in their win against Far Eastern University.

“We have to find ways to stop them especially their bigs, we have a problem there, we’re being eaten inside so hopefully we address that.”