Jarencio: Even Karim can play point guard

MANILA, Philipppines— Reeling from the graduation of star point guard Jeric Fortuna, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers look ahead to UAAP Season 76 and play in the FilOil Flying V Premier Cup sans its top playmaker, making basketball pundits say the gap created by Fortuna’s departure is a big problem for UST.

But head coach Pido Jarencio thinks otherwise.

The fiery UST drillmaster dismissed claims that his team is having a problem with the point guard spot.

“We don’t have any problem when it comes to our point guard,” said Jarencio. “I think they (players) just missed Fortuna and I told them to not think about it.”

‘This is all about us now’

Jarencio, who piloted the España-based dribblers to the crown in his rookie season in 2006, told his players that this is their team and it’s all up to them to succeed minus Fortuna.

“It doesn’t make sense now (missing Fortuna), this is our team, this is us,” shared the former Ginebra shooter.

The Growling Tigers made it to the Finals last season before falling short to five-time UAAP champs Ateneo de Manila University and if they want to have another run at the championship, their point guards — Clark Bautista and John Sheriff must both have breakout years for UST.

“Tata (Bautista) and John Sheriff can fill in the void, even Karim Abdul can play the point for us,” said Jarencio in jest, cracking his customary joke during interviews. 

“Basketball is finding ways (to compensate for what you lack), our main problem right now is how to play as a complete team,” quipped Jarencio, noting the Tigers’ pre-season play isn’t 100% because some of its players are dividing their time playing in the FilOil and in the PBA D-League.

The heady Fortuna ran the show for the Tigers for years, resulting into Final Four appearances, a bridesmaid finish and the 2012 PCCL title for UST.

Now it’s time for UST to win without ‘J-Fort.’. – Rappler.com