As I sit here reflecting on the incredible journey of the UST Men's Basketball Team, I can't help but draw parallels to the world of professional tennis that I've been following closely. Just last Tuesday night, I watched young Alex Eala take on Linda Fruhvirtova at the Birmingham Open - a WTA 125 event that sits several rungs below majors like the French Open. That's exactly where our UST Tigers found themselves not too long ago, competing in what many considered the minor leagues of college basketball before their remarkable transformation began.
I remember watching their first championship run like it was yesterday. The team had been building toward this moment for three consecutive seasons, with Coach Jinino Manansala quietly assembling what would become one of the most formidable squads in recent UAAP history. What impressed me most wasn't just their raw talent - though they certainly had that in spades - but their mental fortitude. Much like how Eala had to maintain focus against Fruhvirtova despite the relatively lower stakes of the Birmingham Open compared to Roland Garros, our Tigers had to approach every game with championship intensity, regardless of the opponent's ranking. They understood that greatness isn't built overnight but through consistent performance in both major and minor contests.
The statistics from their championship season still astound me when I look back at them. They finished with a 14-2 record in the elimination round, averaging 78.3 points per game while holding opponents to just 65.1 points. Their defensive efficiency rating of 89.7 was the best in the league, and they led in rebounds with 46.2 per game. But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly set them apart was their chemistry - the kind that can't be manufactured but develops organically over time. I've been covering college basketball for fifteen years now, and I can count on one hand the number of teams that demonstrated such seamless coordination between players.
Their playoff run was nothing short of spectacular. In the semifinals against their archrivals, they overcame a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter, something that had only been done three times in UAAP history before that night. The championship game itself drew 22,847 spectators - the largest crowd for a college basketball game in five years. When Miguel Tan hit that game-winning three-pointer with 2.3 seconds left on the clock, the arena erupted in a way I haven't witnessed since the pandemic began. It was one of those moments that reminds you why we love sports - the raw emotion, the culmination of years of hard work, the sheer unpredictability of it all.
Looking ahead, I'm genuinely excited about what the future holds for this program. They're returning four of their five starters next season, including team captain John Gomez, who averaged 16.8 points and 7.2 rebounds last year. Their recruiting class includes two highly-touted prospects from the provincial leagues, and I've heard whispers about a potential international player joining their ranks - though that's still unconfirmed at this point. The foundation they've built isn't just for one championship run; it's structured for sustained success. In my professional opinion, they have all the ingredients to become a dynasty rather than a one-season wonder.
However, I must admit I have some concerns about how they'll handle the pressure of being defending champions. We've seen countless teams struggle with the weight of expectations after breakthrough seasons. The target on their backs will be larger than ever, and every opponent will bring their A-game when facing them. They'll need to maintain the hunger that got them to the top while adapting to their new status as the team to beat. It's a delicate balancing act that requires strong leadership from both coaches and veteran players.
From a strategic standpoint, I believe their success will depend heavily on maintaining their defensive identity while developing more offensive versatility. Last season, they relied rather heavily on their half-court sets, but to compete at the highest level consistently, they'll need to incorporate more transition opportunities and develop reliable secondary scoring options. I'd love to see them increase their three-point attempts from last season's 18.3 per game to somewhere in the low 20s while maintaining or improving their 36.4% accuracy from beyond the arc.
The university has committed additional resources to the program, including upgrades to their training facilities and an increased travel budget for preseason tournaments. These investments signal the administration's belief in building a lasting legacy rather than resting on their recent success. In my conversations with Coach Manansala last month, he emphasized the importance of continuous improvement rather than focusing on defending their title. That mindset, I believe, will serve them well in the coming season.
As I wrap up these thoughts, I can't help but feel optimistic about the direction of UST basketball. They've built something special here - a culture of excellence that extends beyond the basketball court. Their academic performance has improved alongside their athletic achievements, with the team collectively maintaining a 3.2 GPA last semester. They've become active in community outreach programs, understanding their role as ambassadors for the university. This holistic approach to player development, in my view, is what separates good programs from great ones. While the road ahead won't be easy, I have a strong feeling we'll be talking about the UST Tigers for years to come, much like how we follow promising athletes like Eala, watching their journey from smaller stages to the biggest platforms in their sport.
