Ex-UST guard Japs Cuan upbeat on Lee-Sta. Ana backcourt

MANILA, Philippines — Right now, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers are at 0-2, but you could see the potential in the team.

 

There have been flashes such as when head coach Boy Sablan called for Zach Huang to drive against UP. The second-year player nearly scored. Center Jeepy Faundo grabbed the offensive rebound but was unable to score. Though fouled, he missed the two free throws that would have greatly changed the complexion of the game.  

 

Even the magic bunot of Jorem Soriano was something not even the most ardent of UST supporters did not see coming. The latter scored eight big points as a player off the bench in the 74-73 loss to the Fighting Maroons.

 

We spoke to one of the Growling Tigers’ all-time greats in Japs Cuan, who led UST to the 2006 UAAP championship, about his thoughts. And he had glowing remarks about the current backcourt of Marvin Lee and Jordan Sta. Ana.

 

“Jordan reminds me of a young Jojo Duncil,” said Cuan of his backcourt mate at that time. “He’s just fearless in attacking. Though I hope that he improves his perimeter game like Jojo turned out during our championship year.”

 

For Lee, Cuan coached against him when the former played for Far Eastern University in high school alongside Wendell Comboy.

 

“He’s got great confidence now that he’s on top of the order unlike last year because he knows that Jon Sherriff and Renzo Subido were there. He was playing safe not to be subbed. I think this year will make him great. Just getting that swag is what a point guard needs.”

 

Cuan though had a caveat with it comes to comparisons with Lee. “And no, he doesn’t remind me of me because he can shoot. I just did whatever need to be done for us to get that win.”

 

Lee is leading UST in minutes played with 34 minutes a game while averaging 17.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.5 steals. 

 

Sta. Ana, for his part, is norming 12.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.0 steals in 25 minutes of play.

 

“I am surprised how they are performing now compared to last summer,” summed up Cuan of the Growling Tigers’ play. “I guess they have settled down and that takes away the pressure from them. As a fan and a former Tiger, we always have a chance. It’s just a matter of what you believe in.”