UST rebuilds with Padrigao, Paranada, Acido

Coach Pido Jarencio is leading a rebuild for the University of Santo Tomas (UST) basketball team, known as the Growling Tigers, following their poor performance in the previous season.

Jarencio, who is now in his second stint with UST, has reduced the roster and is focusing on integrating new talent such as former Ateneo standout Forthsky Padrigao and University of the East guard Kyle Paranada.

The team also includes NCAA high school MVP Amiel Acido, Gilas Pilipinas youth standout Zain Mahmood, and complementary players Leland Estacio, Chase Lane, Geremy Robinson, and Ice Danting.

UST has participated in several preseason tournaments to build chemistry among the new players and returning stars like Nic Cabanero.

The team's coach emphasized that their success will depend on teamwork and trust, not just individual talent, as they prepare for UAAP Season 87 with foreign reinforcement Mo Tounkara and additional coaching support from Juno Sauler and Peter Martin.