University of Santo Tomas (UST) men’s basketball team is currently in shambles with the unearthing of the controversial “Sorsogon Bubble” training camp of its former head coach Aldin Ayo.
Players CJ Cansino, Rhenz Abando, Brent Paraiso, Ira Bataller, and Ferdinand Asuncion already left the team while Negrense Mark Nonoy and Vince Deo Cuajao are looking to follow suit.
As for the coaching staff, it has been dissolved with Ayo and his assistant coaches tendering their resignations leaving the remaining Growling Tigers puzzled as to who will handle them.
Recently, the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) reportedly expressed its interest in reviving the troubled Growling Tigers but the conglomerate wanted the school to do the first move if it wants support.
Based on a report by Bea Micaller of The Daily Tribune, SMC Sports Director Alfrancis Chua is willing to help his college alma mater to recover and become a contender anew in the upcoming UAAP season.
“Alfrancis is very generous, and there’s no doubt that he will help UST, which is very close to his heart,” an informant of Micaller said.
“But definitely, he will not make the first move and knock on their door to offer his help. It should be the other way around,” he added.
The source further said that the SMC already has a plan for the Growling Tigers in case a partnership happens, including tapping one of the coaches from the SMC umbrella to lead the team.
Knowing UST and its fathers, they do not bow down to the powers but will they do this time for the sake of the revival of the troubled men’s basketball squad of the university?/PN
