COMING off a proud high school program in NU-Nazareth School, Migs Pangilinan had high expectations when he chose to go to University of Santo Tomas for college.
And in his freshman season, it looked like he was right on track, with the Growling Tigers of coach Aldin Ayo reaching the finals before falling short to the dynastic Ateneo team back in UAAP Season 81 in 2019.
But alas, one expected the pandemic to happen - and it left the Espana side reeling from player exodus to a turnstile of coaches which led to an unfortunate run at the bottom.
“I didn’t expect na ganito yung mangyayari sa past seasons,” the 6-foot-2 gunner admitted, bearing witness as the black-and-gold saw a number of players come and go, as it also extended to coaches which went from Ayo, Jinino Manansala, Bal David, and eventually, to Pido Jarencio.
Pangilinan was the last man standing from that runner-up squad which had MVP Soulemane Chabi Yo, Rookie of the Year Mark Nonoy, Rhenz Abando, CJ Cansino, and Brent Paraiso.
Those adversities however, just made UST stronger and, in Pangilinan’s mind, made this Final Four breakthrough in Season 87 men’s basketball tournament a lot sweeter.
“Blessing in disguise na these guys came and played their hearts out and it showed results,” said the graduating winger, giving special mentions to the team’s on-court leaders Nic Cabanero and Forthsky Padrigao.
Nowhere to go but UST
That’s the reason that despite the Growling Tigers being booted out of the semifinals by the University of the Philippines, Pangilinan predicts a brighter future even as he bids his team goodbye.
“Sobrang worth it lahat ng pagod at sakripisyo, pero simula pa lang ito,” he said. “Sabi nga nila coach, charge it to experience. I hope through all these losses and pain, 'wag nila hayaang mangyari sa kanila ulit yung ganito. They know already what it takes to achieve this and I know next year, they’ll be better.”
As Pangilinan prepares for his board exams after graduating with a civil engineering degree, he could only leave a few words of encouragement to the holdovers, expecting a louder growl next year - even if this time, he’ll be in the stands cheering with the crowd, “Go USTe!”
“Just keep on working hard. Yun lang naman ang foundation namin. Go USTe lang all the way,” he said.
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