Jeric Teng threw his full support to Pido Jarencio as he leads University of Santo Tomas starting Season 86 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

Teng, now the skipper of the Quezon Huskers in the OKBet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, said he is happy to see his former mentor regain the coaching helm of the Growling Tigers.

The 58-year-old Jarencio was responsible for molding Teng during his collegiate stint.

In fact, they were together when the Tigers made their title runs in 2012 and 2013 in which they lost to Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University respectively.

Now, Jarencio is back at the helm and ready to lead the Tigers following a dismal 1-13 win-loss card under Bal David last season.

“I am super excited because I played for him for five years at UST and I played for him in the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) as well. He will surely bring out the chemistry and camaraderie of the players,” Teng said during an episode of The Athletes Tribune hosted by Nikki Viola last Monday.

Aside from Jarencio, Teng stressed that he is also excited about having his former teammate – Jeric Fortuna – as one of the coaches.

“I’m close to Jeric Fortuna. I know he’s going to bring out the best in the players and he will have a lot of inputs to give, especially for the guards,” he said.

“I’m excited that in a year or two, UST will be a contender.”

Jarencio was said to be responsible for launching the careers of future professional players like Jervy Cruz, Dylan Ababou, Kevin Ferrer and Aljon Mariano.

He also steered the Tigers to the UAAP finals thrice and was part of the think-tank of the Letran College side that has been dominating the National Collegiate Athletic Association for the past three years.

Teng said players like mainstay Nick Cabañero and new recruits Chase Lane, Rhayyan Amsali and James Una should brace for the tough love that Jarencio will impose.

His brand of discipline, however, can do wonders and could lead them to their ultimate goal – the PBA.

“You just have to be ready for coach Pido because he will yell at you a lot. He’s a character guy, he will yell at you but he will give you your opportunities to really show your game,” Teng said.

“You have to win. The UST fans really support the team so you have to give that back.”