Crisis in Espana? More players mull leaving UST Tigers

MANILA, Philippines – In the wake of former UST Growling Tiger Mario Bonleon’s explosive revelation about his departure from the team, it seems that problems continue to plague the España-based squad.

Following Letran’s 71-65 overtime win against UST in the Filoil flying V Premier Cup on Wednesday, players from the latter side were chewed out for about an hour by their head coach Boy Sablan. The tongue lashings and brutal verbal assaults have grown in frequency and in intensity.

And after the tongue lashing, Philstar.com learned that a few other players are considering sitting out the season. One has allegedly gone home to ponder the decision.

Sablan has been unable to coach the Growling Tigers for the past week as he had a medical condition. He returned to the last few games but sat away from the bench leaving the coaching to assistants Taylon Darjuan and Juben Ledesma. During the Letran match, it was Ledesma who called the shots.

Philstar.com learned that following last night’s tongue lashing, a few players are mulling whether to also sit out the season or leave altogether. Prior to the start of the summer leagues, point guard Renzo Subido opted to sit out the season along with Bonleon.

And now, a source from within the team, who declined to be named, informed us that “all isn’t well.”

A former player who has used up his playing years and likewise refused to be named, said that the sudden roster changes “aren’t surprising.”

“We had a game last year where coach drew up a play,” added this player. “Except what he was verbally telling us totally contradicted what he drew on the board. So we were all confused. We never got to run what he wanted and he got mad at us once more.”

 Sablan’s contract with UST expired yesterday, May 31. But there is no word on whether it has been renewed.