Pido Jarencio returns as Growling Tigers’ head coach
By Ernest Martin Tuazon
Former UST head coach Pido Jarencio is set to return as the lead tactician of the Growling Tigers heading into UAAP Season 86, sources from SLAM Philippines and Spin.ph confirmed with TomasinoWeb on Friday afternoon.
Jarencio led the Tigers all the way to the finals of UAAP Season 76 where they eventually lost in heartbreaking fashion against the De La Salle Green Archers. In the next season, Jarencio was succeeded by former Tiger Cub Bong Dela Cruz.
In his post-UAAP career, the 58-year-old coach was handed the keys to a young Northport Batang Pier squad led by FEU standout Terrence Romeo.
With the recent development of Letran head coach Bonnie Tan taking over the reins of Northport, Jarencio was relegated as team manager which opened the opportunity for a UST comeback.
In eight seasons as the University’s lead tactician, Jarencio posted a 56–54 win-loss record as he brought glory to UST by bringing home its 18th men’s basketball title, three finals appearances, and six final four stints.
Jarencio will look to bring his experiences in the professional ranks to a Growling Tigers team who posted a 4–24 win-loss record and only defeated the Adamson Soaring Falcons and the UE Red Warriors in the past two UAAP seasons.
After handling the likes of Gilas mainstay Robert Bolick in the PBA, Jarencio will now mentor Growling Tigers’ star Nic Cabanero who posted career averages of 17.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in Season 85.
Fr. Rodel Cansancio, Director of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics, had no comment on Jarencio’s return when TomasinoWeb approached him last Jan. 27.
