UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas coach Segundo ‘Bong’ Dela Cruz admitted Renzo Subido’s splendid play convinced the coaching staff to include the high school standout from De La Salle-Zobel in the Growling Tigers lineup for the coming UAAP season.
After declaring that Subido decided too late to move to UST to be included in the lineup for this season, the Tigers' rookie coach admitted they had a change of heart after seeing the 18-year-old former Zobel star play in practice and tune-up games.
It also helped that Subido was impressive enough to earn a place in the Mythical Five in a Nike All-Asia Basketball Camp in China a few weeks back.
“Binigyan namin ng chance ‘yung bata,” said Dela Cruz of Subido. “Maganda ang pinapakita niya sa practice games kaya na-consider uli namin siya.”
Subido's inclusion in the lineup put a happy ending to a tumultuous year that saw him attend UST practices during the time of former coach Pido Jarencio, change his mind and decide to stay with the Green Archers, only to make another U-turn and complete his move to the Tigers.
Fortunately, he was given a release by De La Salle, making him eligible to play for the Tigers this season.
To make room for Subido, Dela Cruz said Janrey Garrido will sit out this season for UST, which the coach said is a difficult decision on his part.
“Part pa rin siya (Garrido) ng team. Pero ganun talaga. Kung puwede lang 17, pero hindi talaga puwede,” Dela Cruz said.
Dela Cruz said UST will continue to have tune-up games in order to build chemistry ahead of their season opener against National University on July 13.
“Para mag-jell din siya (Subido) sa mga teammates niya. Pero sa practices naman namin, okay na siya,” said Dela Cruz.
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