To some it seemed all sound and fury. Others felt it was a joke since Jarencio was talking about a squad that hasn’t won a title in a decade and is coming off forgettable stints the past two seasons.
Two nights ago, he proved them all wrong.
"That was our battle plan from the start and that 3 Ps carried us through," said Jarencio, who infused the never-say-die spirit he got from his Ginebra days in transforming the Tigers into a fighting unit.
There was no special instruction from Jarencio, just a simple reminder for his players on what and how he wanted it done.
"He’s a good motivator," said UST team manager Clarence Aytona. "He made the players believe that anything is possible if they have faith."
Faith in his wards also made Jarencio believe that UST, which has a rich winning tradition in the league, including four straight championships in the early 90s, is in for something big.
"They were ready and not afraid to face the challenge. More importantly, they have faith in one another and that made them very special," said Jarencio.
There was Jervy Cruz, who toiled his way from Team B for two years before earning his place in the main squad, which he spearheaded to one of the most stirring finishes in league history.
There was Jojo Duncil, who underscored the Tigers’ big fighting heart by not hesitating to take charge when everything was on the line. He delivered the baskets that mattered most in overtime play of the deciding Game 3 and consequently won the Finals MVP.
Dylan Ababou, a silent but effective operator, has had his share of shining moments, starring in a Game 2 win with 22 points and coming up with clutch baskets and defensive gems in Game 3.
Allan Evangelista, Japs Cuan and Anthony Espiritu, Mark Canlas, Jun Cortez, Jun Dizon and Chester Taylor also did their share, keeping UST together especially when the chips are down.
Jarencio also took notice of his hardworking coaching staff.
"I wouldn’t have done this without the help of my coaching staff," said Jarencio, who went into a litany of thank yous to all the people who supported the team from the start in his moment of glory Monday.
But for Jarencio, it was simply a question of desire.
"Ateneo had to win, UST wanted to win," he said.
Many times the Tigers were given up for dead but they would emerge tougher from every fall, underscoring their surge from the brink to the top of the heap.
One particular instance was with 1:13 minute to go in regulation of the decider with the team down by five, 59-64, and its main men Evangelista and Cruz out on fouls. UST came through with the needed baskets — a triple by Espiritu and a put back by Canlas — to force the OT.
"Our main man was out and we couldn’t seemed to hit our shots at the time, so I thought it was already lost," recalled Jarencio. "Good thing they didn’t give up."
Then the Tigers completed one of the most remarkable runs in UAAP history.
And with all but one of the Tigers staying for the title-retention campaign, things don’t seem to look good for the rest of the field next season.
"This team may go far, they’re still young," said Jarencio, who will only lose Evangelista next year.