NO member of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers is involved in game-fixing in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
Former UST coach Pido Jarencio believes so, because he knows most of the players who played for the team before he left last year to handle GlobalPort in the Philippine Basketball Association.
“Sa akin nanggaling iyung mga players na naglaro diyan. Kilala ko sila. Hindi totoo iyan,” Jarencio told The Standard, when he learned of allegations that players could be selling out games last season.
Jarencio spoke his mind on Friday after school officials have asked coach Bong dela Cruz to stay away from team’a practices since the second week of January.
Fr. Ermito de Sagon, O.P., director of the Institute for Physical Education and Athletics, said that Dela Cruz is now under investigation, but not suspended from the team.
Dela Cruz has complied and waiting for the decision of the University administration on his fate.
School officials have been silent on their probe on Dela Cruz.
But sources said authorities are also looking into claims that rookie members of the team have experienced verbal and physical abuse under Dela Cruz, whose punishments were said to be harsh.
De Sagon, in a statement to the official school paper, The Varsitarian, did not reveal the subject of the investigation.
He merely said that it was “about our basketball program in reference to the University’s policies.”
For the moment, the team’s practice sessions since Monday is being run by Tiger Cubs’ assistant Juben Ledesma.
Meanwhile, the Ateneo Lady Eagles will open their bid for a three-peat against the National University Lady Bulldogs on Sunday at the start of the 78th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Eagles are expected to have a tough fight with the Lady Bulldogs, who will experience their first full season under coach Roger Gorayeb at 4 p.m.
Alyssa Valdez, who is among the most popular spikers these days, is hoping to finish her playing years as a winner. She will also get a lot of help from holdovers Amy Ahomiro, Jho Maraguinot, Bea de Leon and setter Jia Morado.