I Stand For Aljon Mariano

I remember a lot of names was given to this #10 guy of UST Growling Tigers last season. Comeback cat, comeback king, clutch cat and etc. He was even compared to The Phenom Kiefer Ravena and labeled as a SUPERHUMAN.

Credits to the owner. Spin.ph

I would try to justify some of the names he had.


Aljon Mariano was:

The Clutch Cat. 

He would fearlessly attack the defense, crossover dribble, a spin move, bend his body a little bit and put the ball into the rim. He would do it knowing the time was winding down. He would do it knowing that his team was on the verge of losing a game. He would do it confidently knowing that he can. And most of the time he did it. After all the stellar moves he did last season. After all the buzzer beater shots he made. After all the winning shots he took. Aljon Mariano, was indeed the Clutch Cat of the UST Growling Tigers.

Credits to the owner.

The Comeback King.

He doesn't had a good launch in his collegiate career. He wasn't given quality playing time during his rookie year. He sat out for almost one season because of an injury. Yet, After having a not so good start for his basketball campaign, Aljon  managed to create a name for himself. And In my opinion, UST owe a lot to him last season. He has been one of the most reliable guys of Coach Pido. He was essential for the ATM (Abdul, Teng, Mariano) to work and produce for the Espana-based squad. 

A Superhuman.

There were a lot of highlights from him last season. Buzzer beater shots, big baskets, a never-say-die kind of attitude and Spectacular performances that helped his team to be able to book a Finals ticket though fell short in the hands of the King Eagles. All of those made him immortalized the tag SUPERHUMAN.

And now fast forward to this season. Aljon was in the middle of a darkhole. He was accused of a lot of things. People blamed him for the loss of his team. But the worse part was, most of the people who were turning him down were his fellow Thomasians. 

Credits to the owner. Got it from twitter

I have been a supporter of the UAAP for a half decade now. I even had a chance to be part of a UAAP team. And I felt a little bit sad seeing his current situation. The league that has been promoting school unity had caused minor divisions, and produces different opinions within the UST premises.

I had a chance to meet him last season, even interviewed him a couple of times. And I could say He was far more better than what people were saying about him.

I am a proud Bulldog, and many times UST cause our hearts to be broken. But, now, I am standing for him. I am a Bulldog, standing for a Tiger Aljon Mariano. Giving my respect to the man who worked so hard to get back into his game and was able to help the UST Growling Tigers go back into the Finals for two consecutive years. I salute the man who carried his squad in the absence of the King Tiger Jeric Teng. The man who has been working so hard everyday even while suffering from an ankle injury the entire season to give pride for the Thomasian Community.

Heads Up Aljon. There's nothing to be ashamed of.  You fought the good fight. A lot of people still believes in you.

And to those who hated Aljon Mariano for missing that shot.

He's the COMEBACK KING! Never forget that.