KEEN on leading University of Santo Tomas back to its glory days in the UAAP, returning coach Pido Jarencio has hit the ground running for the Growling Tigers.
Proof of this was when UST linked up yesterday with Rhayyan Amsali and James Una.
“Malaking dagdag sila sa binubuo namin dito sa UST,” Jarencio, who welcomed the two transferees together with team consultant Bonnie Tan and team meanager Waiyip Chong, said.
Amsali, 22, returns from a religious sabbatical and will join the Tigers after one season with San Beda University in the NCAA.
The 6-foot-4 wingman from Zamboanga is raring to prove himself in the collegiate level after a decorated high school career with Nazareth School of National University and the Red Cubs.
He averaged 5.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in 15 minutes of play in his freshman year for the Red Lions last year.
“Alam natin iyong laro ng bata. China-challenge namin siya na mailabas ulit iyong ipinakita niyang galing sa high school at makatulong dun sa rebuild na ginagawa namin dito,” Jarencio said.
Una, 21, is coming off a solid rookie year for San Sebastian College in the last cage wars.
The 6-foot-5 big man from Caloocan posted 3.9 points and 3.6 rebounds as an upstart bruiser.
“Napakasipag na bata ni James at iyon ang inaasahan namin sa kanya, na madala niya iyon tapang niya dito sa UST,” Jarencio said.
Both Amsali and Una will serve one-year residencies before they get the green light to play in the 87th season, where they can see action for three more years for the Tigers.
