BAL David remained guarded on his decision to step down as coach of University of Santo Tomas.
Bal David on UST resignation
But he did send a rather cryptic message that left more questions than answers.
“Let’s just put it this way. I’m destined to fail,” said the former Barangay Ginebra star and UST alumnus two days after reports came out he submitted his resignation as head coach of the Growling Tigers.
Asked to elaborate about it, David was tightlipped.
“Yan lang ang masasagot ko,” he said, not wanting to burn bridges with people he worked with the school in the six months he stayed in España.
Indeed, it was one tumultuous ride for David in his return to the same school where he’s been venerated as a hero after sinking the winning free throws that clinched for the Tigers the 1994 UAAP men’s basketball championship in a memorable and dramatic finals against La Salle Green Archers.
David, 50, took over the UST job from Jinino Manansala following a season that saw the Tigers limp home with a 3-11 record and fail to make the Final Four.
He assumed the job two months before UAAP Season 85, becoming the only non-holdover coach out of the eight school teams.
In the short period that he had to prepare the team, David needed to look for possible sponsors to help in recruiting talent and the needed sustainability for the program.
But even before he could call the shots for the team, controversy already hounded the Tigers’ lair.
Mainstays Sherwin Concepcion and Bryan Santos were found to be ineligible for Season 85 due to age restrictions.
Then, the team lost rookie point guard Kean Baclaan to National University, Fil-Am big man Gani Stevens to University of the East, and veteran big man Dave Ando who turned pro and played in the 3x3 circuit.
Despite all the troubles, the Tigers began their campaign on a rousing note, scoring a 69-60 upset of the seasoned Adamson Falcons in the season opener.
It proved to be the only encouraging sign for the team as it went on lose its next 12 games.
There were a couple of winnable games like the Tigers’ second-round rematch with the Falcons where they squandered a 19-point lead and lost, 56-55, as Cedrick Manzano took over for Adamson in the stretch run.
The same thing happened against De La Salle where the Archers rallied back from nine points down to nip the Tigers, 77-72, and against National University, which pulled off a nerve-wracking 69-63 win.
In all, the school finished the campaign with a 1-13 record.
Notwithstanding what happened, David doesn’t regret accepting the job since his intention was genuine for the passion and love for the game.
What really saddened him was leaving behind his players, who, according to him, have improved a lot as a person and as one unit.
“Nalungkot ako para sa mga bata kasi nag-start na silang mag-improve, they’re getting better. Napa-polish mo na yung bad habit, and nagre-ready na talaga sila (for the season),” he said.
“Nakakalungkot na iiwan mo yung mga bata na napamahal na sa iyo.”
David said he’s moving on, believing a new coaching opportunity will still come his way.
With kind indulgence, David acknowledged all the help extended to him, his coaching staff and the Tigers led by Mayor Jon Villanueva and Senator Jon Villanueva, Mayor Sahali of Tawi-Tawi, Mayor Garbo of Pampanga, Fil-Am Nation Rodel, Familya Washington DC Coach Erik Quintana, Coach Allan Ascue, Richard Vocalan, Kuya George, Dietmar Romualdez, Dela Paz Barangay, Tumakbo United/NorCal, and Boss Dean Divina.
He also thanked the entire UST team, from players, utilities to coaching staff, especially his brother Bernie David, brother in-law Arnold Ben, Tione Villamor, and close buddy Rodney Santos.
Others in his list were Boston Family Villamor and Escara, OPAV Guards, Chris King Dela Cruz, Maam Angelina Payuran, Ate Eva, Rommel Paguio, Rangers, Wiiwiiit friends, Legends and Chocolates, PLDT Girls, GoFortyfied, and friends and parents in Manila and Los Angeles.
Certainly not the least were the UST community and all staff, officials in health service, doctors and nurses, die hard alumni win or lose, Kabarangay Ginebra, and the school’s Fr. Rodel Cansancio and Fr. Rector Richard Ang.
“To my family who always inspires me and keep pushing me out of my comfort zone,” David added.
“Thank you for this opportunity to serve. Appreciate everything from the bottom of my heart.”
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