Fortuna’s departure hardly a problem as UST wins season opener

MANILA, Philippines -- After the departure of veteran guard Jeric Fortuna from the University of Santo Tomas last UAAP season, questions were raised on who will fill in the gap that he left behind.

The answer came after almost eight months later, during the Tigers' opening match against the De La Salle University Archers at the MOA Arena Saturday night.

There was no exact replacement for Fortuna at the point as Ed Daquiaog and Tata Bautista are naturally shooting guards, but for coach Pido Jarencio, the problem was addressed way before the season.

"Walang problema (at the guard position). During Fortuna’s time, ganun din naman, close game lang din," said Jarencio after the Tigers pulled off a thrilling 63-58 overtime win over the Archers to kick off their Season 76 bid on a positive note.

"Past na si Fortuna. Na-made ko na siya, pwede siya sa kahit anong team, kahit anong liga ngayon," Jarencio added.

The former Ginebra guard clearly knows how to move on -- a must in the collegiate league where players come and go.

"Kaya naman yung mga batch of players na nandito sila yung imo-mold natin para makatulong sa team and at the same time sa future nila," the UST mentor said.

Skipper Teng, who is playing his final year, drilled in 23 points while Cameroonian center Karim Abdul finished with a double-double performance of 17 markers and 10 rebounds.

"Jeric is an all-around player. Fifth year na niya na-develop ang post move niya and consistent na din ang outside shooting niya," said Jarencio.

Jarencio believes more of his boys will show what they are made of along the way.

"Mga nag-improve naman yung mga batang yan. Alam mo naman yung team natin naka-ready naman tayo, marami pang puputok diyan," he added.