Juno Sauler, Peter Martin join UST Tigers coaching staff

UST Growling Tigers add new names to its coaching staff. –HANDOUT PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas coach Pido Jarencio bolstered his coaching staff after tapping Juno Sauler and Peter Martin ahead of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament later this year.

The Growling Tigers on Thursday announced that Jarencio hired two seasoned coaches to join him in developing the UST men’s basketball program, which last made it to the Final Four in 2019 when it lost to Ateneo in the Season 82 finals.

“These coaches, who will help us, are both winners. We’re happy because the players will learn a lot from coach Juno and coach Peter as we continue to build a winning culture,” said Jarencio, who returned to UST last year after a decade.

Sauler and Martin were welcomed by the UST head coach along with San Miguel Corporation (SMC) sports director Alfrancis Chua, Institute of Physical Education and Athletics head Fr. Rodel Cansancio, OP, and team managers Eric Ang and Waiyip Chong in an informal dinner on Wednesday.

Sauler worked as an assistant coach first in Barangay Ginebra and he is currently part of Magnolia’s coaching staff.

Interestingly, Sauler led the Jeron Teng-led La Salle to a Season 76 championship in 2013 — his first UAAP season as coach — beating Jarencio and UST in the finals.

Martin, on the other hand, has been an assistant coach for San Miguel for the better part of the past decade and has established himself as an integral part of the Beermen’s dynasty.

SMC continues to boost the UST program, which placed last in UAAP Season 86, winning only two matches against Far Eastern University out of 14 games.

Sauler and Martin are joining the UST coaching staff composed of Japs Cuan, Jeric Fortuna, Juben Ledesma, Jaren Jarencio, and Ian Herrera, with NorthPort head coach Bonnie Tan serving as team consultant.