MANILA, Philippines - Veteran Aljon Mariano will be a “man-on-a-mission” when the University of Santo Tomas Tigers launch another title drive after two bungled attempts.
On the receiving end of harsh words from UST supporters at the end of their numbing setback to La Salle in the Season 76 Finals, Mariano sees the coming campaign as a chance at redemption, not only for himself but for the whole team.
“Parang redemption siguro ito para sa team kasi twice na kami andun sa finals at hindi namin nakuha. Ang mindset namin ngayon, hindi na kami pwedeng mag-second place ulit (Redemption will be the theme for us, having been to the finals twice and lost twice. In our minds, we don’t want to end up second yet again),” said Mariano.
The 6-foot-3 forward is seeking to bounce back from a much-criticized performance in the loss to La Salle. Tigers supporters had blamed Mariano for his glaring errors and lapse in decision-making in the crucial stretches of the deciding game, leading to a bashing on the internet.
“Kailangan ko rin i-redeem ang sarili ko kasi medyo masama ang performance ko last year (I have to redeem myself because I had quite a bad performance last time),” said Mariano.
He was bothered by bone spur in his ankle in Season 76 and underwent operation in the off-season to make him good to go in the coming wars.
“Okay na ngayon (I’ll be okay), I expect to be 100 percent,” he said.
On his last playing year, Mariano will link up with fellow veterans Karim Abdul, Kevin Ferrer, and Ed Daquiaog to assume the leadership role following the graduation of their former captain Jeric Teng.
“Nung nawala si Jeric, more on leadership talaga nawala sa amin so kailangan namin -take yung more responsibility para sa team. Marami naman kami, lahat kami magli-lead (Jeric left a void in leadership so we veterans should take over. We’ll help another out in leading the team),” said Mariano.