Jarencio leaves UST with a ‘heavy heart’ for Globalport

JARENCIO

MANILA, Philippines – Pido Jarencio, who became a noted coach for the school where he was once a star player, formally parted ways with University of Santo Tomas Tuesday to steer Globalport in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Jarencio, who piloted the Tigers to the UAAP men’s basketball crown on his rookie year in 2006, signed a two-year deal with a Batang Pier squad that is rebuilding with a young crew bannered by Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia, Nico Salva and Justin Chua.

In a letter to the UST community, Jarencio said he’s leaving with a “heavy heart” but added it’s time “to move on” with his career.

Jarencio replaced Globalport interim coach Richie Ticzon and has recommended UST assistant Estong Ballesteros to take over his spot.

“He will now be at the helm in the rebuilding of our team toward our long-term goal,” Globalport owner Mikee Romero said in a statement Tuesday.

Jarencio played for 16 seasons starting in 1986 in the PBA where he became popular as Ginebra’s streak-shooting guard.

In 2006, Jarencio took over as head coach of his alma mater and stunned experts by steering the Tigers to the UAAP throne over the heavily favored Ateneo Eagles.

The 49-year-old Jarencio holds a 66-62 win-loss record in eight coaching seasons while guiding the Tigers to the finals thrice, including the last two years.