UST's Historical 4-peat!

1993. What a year that was for UST Basketball. UAAP Season56 (1993-1994) will always remain the most memorable collegiate basketball season for most of us since this was the year that the UST Growling Tigers swept the elimination round with an immaculate (and very rare) 14-0 record and were eventually declared "automatic champions!" (thanks for the new ruling that was imposed by the UAAP Board that season). It was a sweet win ending UST's basketball championship drought since 1967. (Source:Wikipedia)

(Video Credits: Gameplan - Probe Production Inc.)

And then.. as they say the rest is part of local basketball history. The Growling Tigers further dominated the league-- for a four-year reign as UAAP Basketball Kings. The winning spree continued up to Season59 (1996-1997) where they faced (and beaten! beaten! beaten!) the formidable La Salle Green Archers for the third consecutive Finals series. It was indeed a rare 4-peat in UAAP basketball lore.

Since then, the Growling Tigers were solidly stamped in the annals of the UAAP. From 1993 to 1996, local collegiate basketball fans saw the Growling Tigers color the league black, gold and white. The 4-peat era then witnessed a new breed of raw basketball talents. The mythical roster included;

• Bal David (former Barangay Ginebra Kings)
• Dennis Espino (UAAP MVP 1993/1994 and Sta. Lucia Realtors)
• Siot Tanquincen (Magnolia Beverage Masters head coach)
• Rey Evangelista (former captain of Purefoods TJ Giants)
• Patrick Roy Fran (Talk 'N Text Phone Pals)
• Edmund Reyes (former Purefoods TJ Giants)
• Estong Ballesteros (Welcoat Dragons)
• Udoy Belmonte (former San Miguel Beermen)
• Chris Cantonjos (UAAP MVP 1995 and Tanduay)
• Dale Singson (Coca-Cola Tigers)
• Richard Yee (Purefoods TJ Giants)
• Gerard Francisco (former Sta.Lucia Realtors)
• Gilbert Lao (Talk 'N Text Phone Pals)

The UST Glowing Tigers were led by Coach Aric del Rosario (from 1992 to 2003 season)

It was indeed a privilege to witness and be part of the historical championship days of the UST Growling Tigers. Those were the days of endless parades and gym food fights. It was Pure. It was Fun. It gave us Honor&Pride. It was a special moment that binded each Thomasian. And gave us a rare chance to set foot on the hardcourt and mingle with the Growling Tiger Titans.

Go S-A-N-T-O T-O-M-A-S!

Black Gold, Black White!

Go USTe! Go USTe! ...Go...Go...Go USTe!

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