Jarencio unsure of returning next season
Even though they failed to go all the way in the UAAP Season 75 men’s basketball championships, the good news for the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers is that they will virtually retain their core next season.
The bad news is that coach Pido Jarencio may no longer be at the helm of the España-based team.
Moments after getting swept by Ateneo coach Norman Black and the mighty Blue Eagles 65-62 Thursday night, Jarencio admitted he’s not sure if he will still call the shots anew for UST next season.
“Pitong taon na ako dito–limang Final Four, dalawang Finals appearance, isang championship,” said Jarencio. “Puwede na sana um-exit, pero hindi mission accomplished. Nag-isip pa tuloy ako.
“Tignan ko by January kung ano desisyon ko. Pagod lang siguro ako kaya kung ano-ano ang iniisip ko.”
Jarencio, 48, started his coaching stint with a bang, leading the Growling Tigers to an improbable run in 2006 when they pulled the rug from under the heavily-favored Blue Eagles in three pulsating games.
This time, UST failed to repeat that trick against a determined Ateneo crew, which completed an unprecedented ‘five-peat’–the first in the league in 40 years.
But Jarencio was still satisfied with his team’s overall performance.
Under the radar in the off-season, UST made its presence felt quickly by beating Ateneo 71-70 in their initial counter last July 19, finishing second after the double-round eliminations with a 10-4 mark and then giving host National University the big boot 63-57 in the Final Four.
“Hindi naman kami pinag-uusapan dito. Nag-twice-to-beat pa kami. May mga controversies nu’ng second round, pero andoon ‘yung team,” he beamed.
After the Blue Eagles got away with an 83-78 win in the finals opener last Saturday, Jarencio blasted the officiating and even figured in a heated ‘word-war’ with Black.
But the jovial UST mentor readily offered his congratulatory message to his counterpart–with a handshake and a hug at centercourt.
“Kinongratulate ko siya. Sabi ko, 'Good game, congratulations.' Madali kami magbasa ng utak, alam naman niya kung ano iniisip niya sa akin at kung ano rin ‘yung sinagot niya sa sinabi ko. Pare-pareho tayong lalake kausap dito,” he stated.
Heady playmaker Jeric Fortuna and forward Melo Afuang have already used their five-year playing eligibility, but the future remains bright for the UST, according to Jarencio.
“Si (Jeric) Teng andyan pa. Si (Tata) Bautista dalawang taon pa. Si Karim (Abdul) tatlong taon pa. Si Kevin Ferrer andyan pa. Medyo okay pa ‘yan. Mas lalong titibay ‘yan kasi nagkaroon ng championship experience.”
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