SA WAKAS: Boy Sablan finally savors win to go out of UST with aplomb

Maligned since last season, Boy Sablan have signed off as UST head mentor in a best way possible.
By Kevin Estrada


QUEZON CITY -- As the curtains fall on UST's season, head coach Boy Sablan finally got the taste of something only reserved for winners Sunday afternoon at the Big Dome.

The 88-85 nail biter over UE made those thirteen losses in a span of three months a distant memory for the beleaguered mentor when he entered to the media room for very first and last time.

"Thank you Lord," a relieved Sablan mustered after nabbed the win that was elusive for them since day one.

For him, it was a vindication for all his haters all season long, with supporters of all aspects of Thomasian life never game him a breathing space as every ounce of vitriol hurled at him and his players.

"Bugbog na ako. Yung iba sa inyo na binubugbog ako ngayon eh," he chided, added that he had a routine of not showing up to the media but he clears that he do it in a nice way as fatigue and frustration showed its side in their first thirteen losses that they have.

From  stinging close shaves to merciless routs, the Growling Tigers never ceased to find ways to lose every single game.

Except until now.

"Yung feeling na ganito, dapat nangyari na kaya lang di namin ma-finish ang laro. Dun na pumapasok: yung maturity, experience at exposure sa laro," Sablan continued, as his Tigers came up within just a shot of winning it all twice, but faltered each and every time.

To him, teaching his players the moral responsibility of being a Thomasian student athlete was his crowning glory, more than the atrocious 1-13 record that they will bring next season.

"I'm thankful kasi itong mga batang ito di ko man ito tinuruan ng walang hiya. Not to do bad things inside and outside the court. UST yan eh, may values kami na pinoprotektahan," he then said about keeping their cool even they are clearly frustrated with the results that thrown against them.

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