UST-SMC partnership still in convincing phase, says team manager
By Ernest Martin Tuazon
Despite multiple reports of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) being the official backer of the rebuilding UST Growling Tigers, the entrance of a UST-SMC partnership is currently in its negotiation and convincing phase, a high-ranking UST official told TomasinoWeb on Tuesday afternoon.
Newly named Growling Tigers team manager Waiyip Chong confirmed that nothing is set in stone as the University continues to negotiate and convince SMC sports director Al-Francis Chua and co.
“We are still convincing him [Al-Francis Chua]… Whether or not we get the biggest backer, right now, we are bringing in competent members, from players to coaching staff who have the skills and expertise to bring to the table,” Chong told TomasinoWeb.
Chua, the engineer that built SMC’s powerhouse teams in the PBA then continued the corporation’s dominance in the NCAA with three-peat champions Letran, attended the dinner celebration of the three-year contract signing of Pido Jarencio.
Present at the dinner were IPEA director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, UST consultant and Northport interim lead tactician Bonnie Tan, and Jarencio’s assistant coaches, among others.
Chong debunked the rumors of Chua taking on the role of special Assistant to the Rector for Basketball at the University as he only showed his support during yesterday’s celebration.
“We are in the process of understanding, learning, scouting and training to further support the performance of the team,” said the co-team manager.
If the deal reaches an agreement between both parties, Chua will hold a similar position to his previous post at Letran as Special Assistant to the Rector for Sports Development.
Fans continued their call for financial support to the Growling Tigers who have missed out on the final four for two consecutive seasons, only amassing four wins under Jinino Manansala (3–11) and Bal David (1–13).
“Rebuilding the team, we understand that it is important to support the players in and out of the court and build trust within our team, to have a common goal, going in the same direction with the same outcome in mind,” Chong added.
Rumors of a UST-SMC partnership began before the start of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament, but negotiations fell through as the company was in its final contract year to back sister school Letran.
