‘Just believe’: Jumawan, Growling Tigers eye end to UST's 20-year title drought

  • Sep 10, 2026
  • BASKETBALL
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Landyn Jumawan has only been with the Growling Tigers since June, but the US NCAA Division I talent has already made a strong case for why he could be one of UST’s biggest pieces this season.


Jumawan played a pivotal role in the Growling Tigers’ championship run in The Big Dance 2026, none bigger than his showing against LPU in the Elite 8.


With top-ranked UST facing a serious threat from the Pirates, the Fil-Hawaiian caught fire in the final frame, drilling triples after triples to help the Growling Tigers stave off the upset and advance.


Now, with the UAAP season approaching, Jumawan has two promises for UST’s valiant legions.


“We’re gonna put a show on every single game that we play,” he said.


The second one carries considerably more weight.


Bring the championship back to España.


The Growling Tigers are coming off a roster turnover that saw key pieces such as former King Tiger Nic Cabanero, Forth Padrigao, and Kyle Paranada move on.


Still, UST retains a core capable of making it all the way, led by the steady presence of Collins Akowe and the leadership of Mark Llemit, while Gelo Crisostomo, Amiel Acido, and Koji Buenaflor continue to take their next steps.


And with Jumawan now in the mix, the Growling Tigers enter the season with more than just a new face. They have another proven performer who has already shown he can deliver when the game is on the line.


The bigger challenge is ending a drought that has stretched since 2006, the last time UST captured the UAAP men’s basketball crown.


For a program that has waited two decades, Jumawan has one message for one of the league’s most passionate fanbases.


“Go get that championship. Just believe.”


Believe in a team that believes in each other's capabilities. Believe in the pieces that stayed, the new ones that arrived, and the group that has already shown it can compete with the best. Most of all, believe that after 20 years, this could finally be the squad that brings UST back to the promised land.