University of Santo Tomas' men's basketball program received a major shot in the arm with the appointment of Alfrancis Chua as Special Assistant to the Rector for Sports ahead of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86.

Chua, who is the San Miguel Corporation sports director, was formally appointed on Monday.

Also a product of the school, Chua expressed his delight to give back to his alma mater and usher in a new era for the UST men's basketball team.

"I'm here to fully support UST. This is my school, I grew up here, I love this school," Chua said.

"The only thing we have to do is to prove ourselves with how we play. If we're gonna work together, we're strong."

Chua personally appeared before Rector Fr. Richard Ang, OP, Institute of Physical Education and Athletics director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, OP, and the Growling Tigers.

"I would like to assure you UST will be giving its full support to the team and everybody involved. We hope we will make it good in the coming seasons," Ang said.

Chua also solidified Petron's commitment as a major sponsor for the men's basketball team.

"This is the moment we've all been waiting for: the full support of coach Al. Coach Al is our best recruit," Cansancio said.

It's a homecoming of sorts for Chua who was a part of the Glowing Goldies team and the team captain back in 1989.

He reunites with Pido Jarencio, the new UST head coach and his former teammate, as they seek to bring glory back to Espana.

"We've known each other for a long time, coach Al and I. I'm happy he joined us. We all have one goal and that is to bring the crown back to Espana," Jarencio said.

Nic Cabanero and Adama Faye will be back for the coming season to lead the charge with sought-after rookies SJ Moore and Mark Llemit raring to prove themselves to help UST recover from a forgettable 1-13 win-loss record in Season 85.