Tigers still have a lot to improve on, says UST deputy Patrimonio

UST assistant coach Alvin Patrimonio all smiles. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

University of Santo Tomas assistant coach Alvin Patrimonio saw a lot of positives in the Growling Tigers’ first win of the season over Adamson on Saturday.

He was expecting a tough first game, but was happy that UST adjusted well in the game.

“Yung first game talaga, mahirap. Kahit ako nung naglalaro, andun yung moment na kailangan mo mag-adjust na agad,” he said.

READ: UAAP: Ferrer, Daquioag tow UST past Adamson

(The first game is always tough. Even when I was playing, there were moments where you need to adjust immediately.)

UST nipped Adamson, 70-64, and Patrimonio saw the mental toughness from the Growling Tigers’ amid the Falcons comeback in the second half.

“Yung quick reaction, strong instinct, mental toughness tulad ng sinasabi ni coach Bong (dela Cruz) on how you finish the game ng malakas, lumabas lahat ngayon yun sa team. Pero marami pa kaming dapat ayusin,” he said.

(The quick reaction, string instinct, mental toughness just like what coach Bong dela Cruz says in how you finish the game strong, all of those came up. But there’s still a lot of things we need to fix.)

READ: UAAP Season 78 Preview: UST Tigers inspired by Patrimonio’s presence

Though it was a promising first victory, Patrimonio noticed that bulk of the team’s production came from the two-man combo of Kevin Ferrer and Ed Daquioag and he would want more from the second stringers.

“Kailangan humanap ng ways ang team na maka-score whenever wala sila sa loob,” he said.

(We need to find ways to score whenever they are on the bench.)

But the two’s efforts did not go unnoticed, as the PBA legend praised both Ferrer and Daquioag for their conscious effort to lead the team.

“Ed is ripe for the pro. Kevin’s leadership has been there. Their veteran attitude really helped to lift the team.”

READ: Kevin Ferrer to go ‘all-out’ for UST in final UAAP year

With the opening game out of the way, Patrimonio is hopeful that UST continues its winning run.

“Bilog talaga yung bola sa college basketball (The ball is really round in college basketball.),” he said. “Until the last second, you’ll never know. But they will prepare again for their next games. We just have to continue what we are doing and develop the right attitudes for their next battles.”

“I’ll be there to support and remind them what to do. I give them a thumbs up naman because they’re doing their best.”