The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers will have veteran Cebuano coach Albert Alocillo as the team’s head coach in the upcoming 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup.

Competing under the banner of Builders Warehouse, the proud Growling Tigers are looking to build their skills up in time for Season 85 of the UAAP later this year. After a dismal Season 84 that saw them miss the Final Four, the Cebuano coach will be calling the shots as the team tries to march back up the UAAP ladder.

Alocillo brings with him plenty of credibility and coaching chops. He previously acted as head coach for the University of Southern Philippines Panthers and Don Bosco in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) before moving on to join the coaching staff of UST.

“I’m feeling blessed and excited. I can feel the hand of God lifting me up to this position. I never thought about this. I am just sincere in serving the team whatever is the result after every tournament,” said Alocillo.

“It’s every coach’s dream to be in this prestigious kind of league. I feel honored, pressured, and at the same time, excited for this wonderful challenge. It’s a big responsibility, but me and the coaching staff and the boys are just joyful to showcase what we have,” Alocillo added.

Veteran forward Sherwin Concepcion and up-and-coming Cebuano guard Nic will spearhead UST’s D-League campaign Cabañero.

While Alocillo takes over for UST, the team’s previous head coach Jinino Manansala will call the shots for Adalem Construction-St. Clare in the D-League.