FORGET the last few years. This is a new era for University of Santo Tomas.
Quite frankly, some regard it as if the Avengers have arrived in Espana, with a boatload of new faces bringing in a renewed sense of hope for the Growling Tigers in the leadup to UAAP Season 87.
“I think everybody realizes that we all have this good talent coming to the season,” said Leland Estacio. “So I guess we’re all expecting to see what we can do and hopefully, it turns out for the best.”
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Estacio, a 6-foot-2 Fil-Am winger, is one of those new faces, as more than half of last year’s team has been replaced for what is shaping up to be a redemption season for UST.
Also among those repping the black-and-gold this year include former Ateneo guards Forthsky Padrigao and Isaac Danting, ex-UE sharpshooter Kyle Paranada, former La Salle swingman Geremy Robinson, Fil-Am high-flyer Chase Lane, and NCAA Season 99 Juniors MVP Amiel Acido.
Going growling, again
Estacio said that having this wealth of talent at UST's disposal keeps everyone on their toes, as they push themselves during practice.
After all, they’re determined to expunge the bitter memories of the past three seasons, where they went 6-36, and bring glory back to the Growling Tigers’ lair, while also dreaming to see that familiar sea of gold once again from their Tomasino supporters.
“It has been a big adjustment for all of these new guys to try to come together for this next season and be prepared as a team to compete. But we all just want to make a bigger impact compared to the past seasons,” he said.
“I think we’re all very motivated to win for UST because we believe that we’re up there and we can compete with the best.”
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