Pido Jarencio, the new coach of University of Sto. Tomas, wants to put "pride, puso and palaban mentality" into their system.

"The three "P’s" is our motto in this year’s UAAP season. Ayaw kong mangako pero sa tingin ko kung maglalaro kami with those three "P’s" malayo ang mararating namin," said Jarencio.

A noted shooter and rugged defender during his prime, Jarencio is trying to transform the Tigers into a physical, high-scoring unit.

"Mula’t sapul kasi kilala ang UST sa half-court game. Kahit na nung panahon namin, half-court sets ‘yung madalas naming ginagawa," said Jarencio. "We’re making some adjustments para mapabilis ang tempo ng laro without compromising our defensive game."

If their first outing will be the gauge, Jarencio’s halfway from achieving his vision.

The Tigers lost 92-94 last Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

"That’s not our game. Hindi ‘yun ang nakita kong laro ng mga players ko sa pre-season at sa practices namin," said Jarencio.

"Parang wala kami sa focus pagdating sa depensa."

Jarencio also noted that they missed 16 free throws and had the breaks going against their way in the endgame.

"Those 16 misses cost us the game. And the technical called against us with under two minutes left was critical."

But, generally, Jarencio liked what he saw.

"Nakita naman natin kung paano humabol ‘yung mga bata. Kahit nalalamangan kami ng malaki laban pa rin ng laban," he said. "This team has the ability to beat anybody in the league."

Jarencio and the Tigers should wait until July 22 to prove it when they face defending champions Far Eastern U Tamaraws.

They are supposed to play the Adamson Falcons yesterday but league officials cancelled the scheduled double-header because of bad weather.

The games between the Tigers and the Falcons and the Maroons and the National University Bulldogs will be played at a later date.