Jarencio leaves UST, eyes PBA coaching job

MANILA, Philippines – Two months after he first said he may not return, University of Santo Tomas head coach Pido Jarencio has finally decided for good that he is no longer returning to the squad.

According to Spin.PH, Jarencio has tendered his resignation letter after 7 seasons and failing to take the title from Ateneo de Manila in the UAAP Season 75 finals.

After the loss in October, Jarencio had said he would make a decision by January on whether he was staying or going. Jarencio is reportedly leaving his UST post for a PBA coaching position, likely with Barako Bull.

The Inquirer said former UST player and current Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Assistant Coach Estong Ballesteros is a possible replacement for Jarencio’s position.

The 50-year-old was a former Barangay Ginebra player and was known for his spirited and colorful personality.

If all goes well, Jarencio joins a league that has found recent success and a rise in viewership. He will follow the footsteps of yet another UAAP coach who has left his team also to coach in the PBA, Ateneo’s Norman Black who now heads Talk N’ Text.

Meanwhile, PBA Commissioner Chito Salud wished the league’s fans a Merry Christmas and shared his hopes for the PBA.

“May the PBA continuously be an inspiration not only to aspiring athletes, but by its professionalism to other leagues as well, leading to uplifting the sports sector in general, and recognizing the PBA’s abilty to play — in our basketball-crazy country — an important role in shaping a healthy and productive citizenry,” he said as quoted on Twitter. – Rappler.com