Playing in UAAP a dream come true for new UST Tiger Franz Diaz

Franz Diaz is finally playing in the UAAP seniors division. PBA Images (file photo)

By Stewart Tan

MANILA—Franz Diaz's wish of making it to the UAAP, college basketball's biggest stage, has finally come true.

The 5-foot-9 guard is thankful to the University of Santo Tomas coach Pido Jarencio for bringing him to the Growling Tigers' den after a stellar career with Centro Escolar University.

"It was a dream come true and I am thankful to coach Pido for giving me this opportunity," Diaz told Dugout Philippines on Monday, just before his first training with UST.

Prior to this, Diaz was linked to a possible move to the De La Salle University Green Archers years ago with the hiring of former Scorpions coach Derrick Pumaren but nothing materialized.

The Iloilo City native instead stayed with the Scorpions and became part of the school's team that swept the UCBL earlier this month.

Diaz said he was aware of the Growling Tigers' dismal 1-13 record last UAAP season and he hopes to be able to help the team in any capacity in UAAP Season 86.

“Hopefully, I can help the team in the upcoming UAAP season," said Diaz, who can immediately suit up for the Tigers this upcoming UAAP season as a masters student. He has two years of college basketball eligibility left.

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