GELO Crisostomo has been on the receiving end of so much tongue-lashing from University of Santo Tomas coach Pido Jarencio last year that he has somewhat gotten accustomed to it.
From his lean frame to his demeanor on court, the 6-foot-5 forward has heard it all from his outspoken coach.
After all, Jarencio only wanted his ward to play at his best as he battled the opposing team’s bigs as the Growling Tigers traversed that tough season.
Now that UST is looking brightly at the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, Crisostomo made sure that he’ll be a big part of it while still letting his coach do the talking.
“Mahiyain kasi ito eh,” Jarencio said as Crisostomo found himself tongue-tied after putting up career-bests 16 points and 10 rebounds in UST’s 74-64 triumph over Ateneo on Wednesday.
READ: UST finishes strong, shoots down Ateneo for second straight win
This time though, it’s all praises that Jarencio has showered his hardworking big who has earned his way to the starting five.
“Breakout game niya ito,” the mentor said of Crisostomo. “Steady na itong mga ito at malaki ang kumpyansa ko sa players ko.”
“Si Gelo, mahiyain lang yan pero kita niyo naman na nagpe-perform siya para sa amin.”
Crisostomo’s performance isn’t the only thing that’s putting a smile on the face of Jarencio as slowly but surely, the Growling Tigers are performing up to par with their lofty expectations.
“Ine-establish namin ang sarili namin na magka-identity. Nananalo kami and we’re doing well sa sistemang pinasok namin with Forth [Padrigao] as the leader. Pag di ka nananalo, wala kang identity, pero kami nae-establish na namin, Nagkakaroon na kami ng ngipin,” he said, with UST now atop the standings at 2-0.
But Jarencio will be the first to remind his players that as good of a feeling as this unblemished record may feel, the Growling Tigers really haven’t proven anything yet.
“Basta sa utak namin, wala pa rin kaming naa-achieve.”
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