UST guard-forward Mark Llemit believes the Growling Tigers can use their successful preseason campaign, highlighted by a Pinoyliga Cup championship, as a springboard heading into UAAP Season 89.
In an exclusive interview with Abante reporter Maverick Valite, Llemit said the confidence they gained from winning the preseason title could be valuable once the level of competition rises in the UAAP.
“I hope na Pgdating sa UAAP, ma-translate namin ang mga ginagawa namin doon. I hope na iyung confidence namin, iyung momentum na nag-champion kami, I hope ma-translate namin iyun sa UAAP,” Llemit said.
The UST standout, however, acknowledged that preseason success will mean little once the UAAP season begins, where the atmosphere and competition are expected to be more demanding.
“Kasi iyung UAAP iba na iyun. Iba ang atmosphere ng UAAP,” he added.
Llemit also sees team chemistry as one of the biggest advantage UST developed during its preseason run.
The Tigers were able to build familiarity with one another while consistently executing their system throughout the tournament, something Llemit hopes they can bring into the UAAP.
Still, he stressed that the team must make an important adjustment before the regular season: maintaining discipline and staying humble.
“Siguro iyung adjustment na gagawin namin iyung disiplina namin. Stay humble lang. Iyung parang disiplina namin na parang wala pa talaga kami naabot. Para mas maging hungry pa kami,” Llemit said.
For Llemit, the preseason championship should not become a reason for UST to become complacent. Instead, the title should serve as motivation to continue improving as the team prepares for a tougher stage.
“I hope na, iyun na, madala namin iyung mga ganoong chemistry na ipinapakita namin sa preseason,” he added.
UST now turns its attention to UAAP Season 89, where the Growling Tigers will have to prove that their preseason success can translate against the country’s best collegiate teams.
For Llemit and UST, the Pinoyliga Cup championship is not the finish line, it is the foundation for what they hope will be a stronger UAAP campaign. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
The post UST looks to carry Pinoyliga Cup crown into succesful UAAP Season 89 campaign first appeared on Fastbreak.
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