MANILA, Philippines – UST representative to the league board Gilda Kamus announced Thursday that Segundo "Bong" dela Cruz III has been officially appointed as its new senior basketball mentor, succeeding now Globalport coach Pido Jarencio.
“Fr. Rector (Herminio Dagohoy) already appointed coach Bong de la Cruz to be our men’s basketball coach,†said Kamus.
Interestingly, Dela Cruz's appointment surprised everyone as he beat former assistant coach Ernesto Ballesteros, who was recommended by Jarencio himself, Siot Tanquincen, Gerard Francisco, Benet Palad and Beaujing Acot.
Dela Cruz was the star point guard of the Tiger Cubs team that boasted of massive twin towers Marlou Aquino and EJ Feihl. They went on to play for the Adamson Falcons in college though, not for the Tigers.
Now he's back from where it all started.
After his appointment, Dela Cruz said they need to start preparing for the up and coming UAAP cage season.
"Nothing new in the team. There are players coming back and we're still recruiting rookies," said Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz will have the luxury of retaining the bulk of the team that made it to the UAAP Finals the last two seasons only to lose to Ateneo and La Salle, respectively. Returning for the Tigers are Kareem Abdul, Aljon Mariano, Kevin Ferrer, Paolo Pe, Ed Daquioag, Sheak Sheriff, Kim Lo, Kent Lao and Jeepy Faundo.
Louie Vigil and Jon Macasaet, a San Sebastian transferee, are back with the team after sitting it out last season due to injuries. They will fill the void left by Jeric Teng, Clark Bautista and Roberto Hainga.
Dela Cruz has indicated they will pull out from participating in pre-season tournaments except for the 20th Fr. Martin Summer Cup.