Tigers regroup

RHENZ Abando (left) will be back for another tour of duty for UST. DAVID JOHN CUBANGBANG @tribunephl_dvd

Shortly after falling short in Season 82 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament, University of Santo Tomas (UST) regrouped in a bid to make another strong championship run next year.

UST coach Aldin Ayo formally introduced four recruits who will help them in their bid to knock the crown off the head of Ateneo de Manila University.

Former St. Clare College of Caloocan standout Joshua Fontanilla, former De La Salle University banger Christian Manaytay, former University of the East stalwart Paul Manalang and former National Collegiate Athletic Association Juniors Most Valuable Player (MVP) Bryan Samudio would all help the Tigers in their hunt next year.

Ayo said they learned a lot from their finals setback and vowed to come out stronger and better.

“We will be working in the next couple of months what we lacked in the finals,” Ayo said.

“We already have recruits and potential recruits for the next season.”

Ayo said the recruits would fill the holes that would be created by the departure of Renzo Subido and Zach Huang.

Of course, reigning MVP Soulemane Chabi Yo will return as well as swingman Rhenz Abando and Rookie of the Year Mark Nonoy.

The 20-year-old Fontanilla will be playing for two years after seeing action in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities for three seasons.

Manaytay, meanwhile, decided to transfer to UST after the Green Archers recruited a handful of “one and done” Filipino-Americans like Jamie Malonzo, James Laput and Keyshawn Meeker.

Manalang, a hefty guard for the Nazareth School of National University, has served his residency and will be available when the Tigers kick off their campaign in Season 83.

Samudio, on the other hand, is a versatile swingman and a great defender and could be a perfect replacement for Subido, who already utilized his five playing years.

“We have other potential recruits whom I know are low key, but will definitely fit in the system that I am running,” said Ayo, a champion coach at La Salle.