While replacing longtime mentor Kungfu Reyes, Shaq Delos Santos emphasized their continued collaboration as they aim to end the UST Golden Tigresses’ 15-year title drought in the UAAP.
Shaq Delos Santos is back at the helm of the UST Golden Tigresses, 15 years after leading the squad to a UAAP women’s volleyball title in Season 72.
Now appointed as head coach for Season 88, Delos Santos replaces longtime tactician Kungfu Reyes.
Still, Delos Santos emphasized that Reyes will continue to have a major role in UST.
“I think ‘yung sa relationship namin with Coach Kungfu, I think wala naman masyadong magbabago,” Delos Santos told One News’ Play by Play. “Siguro ang magiging difference lang is mas marami kailangan gawin para sa team, lahat ng decision-making, so ako na maghahandle.”
“But ang good thing, to be honest, tumawag din ako sa kanya through phone para mapag-usapan din namin kung ano mangyayari. Inemphasize ko sa kanya na tayo pa rin magkakasama, walang magbabago dun,” he added.
Having previously worked as part of Reyes' coaching staff, Delos Santos understands the value of continuity.
With Reyes remaining involved in recruitment and long-term planning, the new head coach views the partnership as key to keeping the program strong.
“‘Yun ‘yung kailangan namin dahil ‘yung source namin pagdating sa recruitment and then sa other things na kailangan namin, even sa mga players na graduate from high school going to college,” Delos Santos explained.
Now tasked with leading the Tigresses back to the finals, he inherits a strong core led by graduating libero Detdet Pepito, along with Angge Poyos, Regine Jurado, and Cassie Carballo.
Pepito and fellow senior Xyza Gula Perdido will return for one last UAAP run, adding veteran leadership to the squad.
[ALSO READ: Detdet Pepito, Jonna Perdido set to return for final year with UST in UAAP Season 88]
UST finished third in Season 87, bowing to eventual finalists De La Salle in the Final Four.
As the team looks to end its title drought, Delos Santos acknowledged the challenge of introducing his own system while preserving the foundation that Reyes built.
“Siguro ang magiging challenge lang dito siguro ‘yung system na meron ako, kung paano ko ipapa-adapt sa kanila and siyempre hindi siya ganun ka-dali pero siguro bibigyan namin ng maraming time para ma-absorb and ma-adapt ng players namin,” he said.