Sauler, Martin join UST Tigers coaching staff

MANILA, Philippines -- The UST Growling Tigers are bringing two veteran coaches into its coaching staff ahead of the UAAP Season 87.

Former La Salle head coach Juno Sauler and San Miguel Beermen assistant coach Peter Martin have entered the Tigers' lair, the team announced Thursday.

Sauler, back in 2013, won the UAAP championship against current UST head coach Pido Jarencio and the Growling Tigers.

"The two coaches are both winners, and we are happy because Coach Juno and Coach Peter have a lot of things to teach the kids that would help the winning culture we are trying to build," Jarencio said in Filipino.

After his stint as La Salle head coach, Sauler joined the coaching staff of Magnolia in the PBA.

Jarencio and the team, along with San Miguel Corporation (SMC) sports director Alfrancis Chua, Institute of Physical Education and Athletics head Fr. Rodel Cansancio, OP, and team managers Eric Ang and Waiyip Chong, welcomed the two coaches in an informal dinner on Wednesday.

Currently, the coaching staff of UST includes Japs Cuan, Jeric Fortuna, Juben Ledesma, Jaren Jarencio and Ian Herrera, with NorthPort head coach Bonnie Tan serving as team consultant.

The future is looking bright for UST, with the expected addition of former Mythical Five member Forthsky Padrigao and former UE Red Warrior Kyle Paranada in the upcoming Season 87.

Main gun Nic Cabanero is expected to continue carrying the offensive load for the Espana-based squad. 

The Tigers struggled to win games in Jarencio's first season back in UST, ending Season 86 with a 2-12 win-loss slate.