UST beefs up backcourt after adding NCAA standout SJ Moore

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers just landed a big name to their rebuilding roster after acquiring the services of NCAA high school stalwart SJ Moore confirmed last March 24, 2023.

Moore, the exciting young star who balled out for the Arellano Braves during the recently concluded NCAA Season 98, can immediately suit up for the upcoming UAAP college men’s basketball tournament and will have five full eligible playing years wearing the gold and white.

The high-flying combo guard immediately made a name for himself during his only playing year in the NCAA and led Arellano in scoring after averaging 19.0 points per game.

Aside from his offensive prowess, Moore is also one of the most efficient all-around energy guys in the Philippine high school hoops scene, proof is his 8.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks per contest.

Moore capped off his final secondary basketball tournament outing with an emphatic showing during the recently concluded National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) All-Star game.

The six-foot-two ball handler willed his team to victory and was hailed as the 2023 NBTC All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (MVP).

“We know the caliber that SJ has and we see that he is the future of UST. I’m really happy that he chose to go here,” said the Growling Tigers’ chief tactician Pido Jarencio.

Just a couple of days ago, UST also secured the commitment of Fil-Canadian guard Gabriel Obusan who was also a standout of the NBTC.

The leftie six-foot-four guard’s artillery was in full display after showing his shooting, passing, and attacking prowess against the best of the best high school players from all over the world.

Obusan also announced his arrival at España and is ready to take on the challenge of helping the Growling Tigers succeed under the system of coach Jarencio.