University of Santo Tomas (UST) got a major boost as it drew the support of Strong Group Athletics (SGA) for the coming season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) junior boys basketball competition.

The Tiger Cubs — the reigning UAAP champion — made the announcement in their social media page, expressing gratitude to SGA chief Frank Lao for his generosity and utmost belief in their program.

Helping varsity teams is nothing new to Lao, one of the most generous sports patrons in the country.

Aside from UST, Lao, a distinguished businessman, is also backing the high school basketball programs of Letran College and University of the East while bankrolling the college teams of College of Saint Benilde and Letran.

The SGA also supports the women’s basketball team of UST and the women’s volleyball team of University of the Philippines.

Iñigo is glad to have Lao, who is his old friend, on board.

“We’re really thankful to Boss Frank for helping our program. Having him is really a big support to us,” Iñigo said in a telephone interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, adding that Lao also supported him during his coaching stint at San Beda University in 2019.

“We’re happy to reunite again. We were together when we won the championship with San Beda in the NCAA,” Iñigo said.

“This partnership, hopefully, would bring more trophies to UST.”