SENATOR Joel Villanueva visited the University of Santo Tomas men’s and women’s basketball teams to show his support to the Growling Tigers in their campaign in the UAAP.
Villanueva was present in Tuesday’s practice of the two UST squads where he spent time to help boost the team’s morale following an up-and-down start to their season, a press statement said.
The Senator was once a member of the Growling Tigers squad and he shared to the present teams his experience being part of the team that won the UAAP crown in 1994 and 1995.
“I shared with them some of my insights and views. One is to always realize that there’s so much responsibility in putting up that yellow jersey, the Tigers jersey,” he said.
“When you had it on to your chest, it should remind you of so many responsibilities—that you’re not only representing yourself, not even the entire community, but the characteristics of being a Thomasian or being a Tiger,” Villanueva added.
Villanueva also believes UST has what it takes to make it to the Final Four this season, despite having a new breed of Tigers following the graduation of Kevin Ferrer, Ed Daquioag, and Karim Abdul, three key players in last year’s run to the UAAP finals.
“Every time I’m being asked — either by a member of the Senate or even the President of this country, when we talk about the UAAP, I would always say that the Tigers will make it,” Villanueva said.
“They will be on the top. I have no doubts. When you have Tiger blood in you, you have no doubt that you can make it all the way,” he added.
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