WHEN Detdet Pepito was asked who would take over as University of Santo Tomas' next leader, she didn’t have to think twice, as the answer was right beside her.
“Actually, nandito. ‘Yung katabi ko, si co-cap,” Pepito said, pointing to Reg Jurado during their UAAP Season 88 exit interview.
On paper, it looks like a seamless passing of the torch, though it is far from set in stone, as of yet.
Just moments earlier, Jurado had admitted she is still mulling over her return for one final season, making Pepito’s endorsement as much a vote of confidence as it is a plea.
The emotions showed, with Jurado covering her face in tears with a towel, as her skipper spoke.
“Ang dami naming napagdaanan na kasama ko siya. Marami siyang natutunan sa’kin, at hindi lang sa’kin, pati na kay ate Eya,” Pepito said, talking about Eya Laure whom she herself succeeded.
“Sa nakikita ko, kayang-kaya na nilang dalhin ‘yung team.”
J-UST do it
Pepito also pointed out a shift in what the Golden Tigresses might need moving forward.
READ: Pepito secure with her legacy in UST as she reluctantly turns pro
Unlike her role as a libero-captain, having a scorer at the helm could better anchor the team on the floor, something Jurado naturally brings.
“Sa skills-wise, mas ok po kasi kapag ‘yung captain ball, nakakapuntos. Mas kaya mong dalhin ‘yung teammates, kaya feeling ko [kaya na ni] Regina,” she said.
“Ang captain ball, title lang naman pero nandu’n pa rin ‘yung kailangan ‘yung suporta at tulong ng mga seniors.”
With setter Cassie Carballo already confirming her return and other spikers in Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula still undecided, UST’s core remains in flux.
And Jurado sits right at the center of it all.
Whether she comes back to lead or moves on to the pros, she has Pepito’s trust to carry onto whatever comes next.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
