Jordan Sta. Ana at home with UST Growling Tigers

MANILA, Philippines — Jordan Sta. Ana has had a very young career and yet this early, he has this feel of a journeyman.

 

The 19-year Cainta native thinks it’s a matter of finding “the right home.”

 

As a high school star for College of San Benildo Blazing Wolves that competed in the Metro Manila Basketball League among some high school cage tourneys, he was spotted by National University scouts. He transferred, but saw his UAAP Juniors dreams shot down by the Ateneo Blue Eaglets and the Nieto brothers in Seasom 77.

 

Sta. Ana latched on to the University of the East Red Warriors along with his NU teammate Philip Manalang. He had his moments during the pre-season of his rookie year in Season 78 where he scored heavily in the FilOil Flying V Premier Cup. However, come the UAAP season, he played only under seven minutes a match and averaged 1.3 points.

 

UST came calling and Sta. Ana made the tough decision to transfer.

 

“Hindi madali na desisyon yun,” recalled Sta. Ana. “Kahit paano, meron na kaming samahan sa UE. Mahirap lang kasi hindi ko nakita yung sarili ko ma-maximize sa sistema nila. Dito sa UST, sakto lang sa mga pinagagawa ni Coach Boy (Sablan).”

 

“Galing ako ng maliit na iskwelahan,” pointed out Sta. Ana. “Yung UST napakalaki ng campus at angdaming estudyante. Pero na-at home ako. I think I found my home.”

 

With the Growling Tigers without their scoring studs from seasons past, Sta. Ana, along with Marvin Lee, could be their next big time scorer. In his UST debut in the ongoing FilOil Flying V Premier Cup, Sta. Ana netted 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 asissts in a loss to the Ateneo Blue Eagles. “Siyempre happy ako sa pinakita ko pero sana nanalo kami. Pero start lang naman ‘to para sa amin.”

 

Sta. Ana grew up idolizing former UE hotshot James Yap. Jordan has keenly followed his career from Purefoods to Rain or Shine. “Kung magawa ko lang kahit kont ng achievments niya masaya na ako,” said the young baller.

 

“Bago lang naman ako dito,” explains Sta. Ana. “Sistema muna. Ang mahalaga magpakita kami ng maayos para sa UST. At sana makakuha kami ng mga panalo. Alam ko na gutom itong school namin para sa championship.”