‘Hungier’ Growling Tigers ready to bounce back in UAAP

by Cyreel Gian Zarate

Fresh from their preseason championship stint in Davao, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers went back to business immediately and started grinding out at the Quadricentennial Pavilion gym.

With eight months of preparation, Growling Tigers head coach Rodil “Boy” Sablan gave the his players the exposure that they needed by playing tune-up games outside the metro.

“We joined those leagues outside [Metro Manila] and in other provinces like Bulacan, Pampanga, Baguio, Agusan, and in Davao,” Sablan quipped. “These are the things that make the team hungrier.”

Newfound Team Confidence

Entering his second season as the head coach of Growling Tigers, Sablan saw a huge difference in their eight month-long preparation compared to two months last season in terms of team chemistry.

“Malaking bagay yung paglabas namin, and yung team bonding and chemistry nandoon sama-sama,” Sablan said.

As expected, the former assistant coach of Pido Jarencio was happy the way his players developed their bond with each other.

“Ang sarap ng samahan nila ngayon. Nagkakakilala sila ng mas maganda,” Sablan added.

Despite the departure of Louie Vigil, Kent Lao, Jamil Sheriff, Sablan believes that everyone will rise to the occasion.

UST will also miss the service of Mario Bonleon and Renzo Subido, who opted out their playing year this season.

“Wala akong aasahang mag-step up,” Sablan uttered. “Everybody is capable of stepping up.”

Bouncing back from their underwhelming showing last season that saw them finishing at the 8th spot in Season 79, Sablan is optimistic with his lineup by putting his trust and confidence on them.

“I’m confident that this team, kahit sinong ilagay ko they will all deliver. Yun ang ikinaganda dito sa amin ngayon,” he said.

The Growling Tigers will try to notch their first win in their opening match against the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, Sept. 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“I can close my eyes kahit sinong ituro ko kaya nilang maglaro, ganun ako katiwala sa players ko,” he ended.