By Joshua Kyle Beltran

Accumulating a series of injuries since joining the team, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Cholo Anonuevo has shifted to render his basketball knowledge as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team ahead of University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88.

During the start of the Tamaraws’ 2025 Filoil EcoOil Preseason run, Anonuevo was seen on the sidelines not suited up to play, but coaching the team.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, the six-foot-five winger confirmed that it was Chambers who offered him the position. 

“I told them na I won’t be lined up. If I can help somewhere else; Coach Sean openly hooked me up, saying that I can be student manager helping out, assistant coach as well. At least, he helps me as well,” he said.

Dealing with an injury just after his rookie debut in Season 84, the green-and-gold squad’s supposed revamped game plan that included the Baby Tamaraws standout was put on hold. 

While he was able to play in Season 85, the injury-prone cager suffered the same fate in the following two seasons, ultimately limiting his playing time. 

Anonuevo then shared the numerous challenges he had endured in the very few games he played in Season 87.

“Nung [Season] 87, kababalik ko lang [galing] ng anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. I played the first game, then the second game, I strained my other side ng leg ko, ITBS (iliotibial band syndrome) strain. Tapos, bumalik ako ng second round against Adamson, played a few games, mga tatlo. Tapos injured my knee again, ACL injury ulit, sa game namin sa second round sa De La Salle [University],” he recalled.

Despite the grueling cycle, the Morayta-based forward emphasized how his recovery was made easy as a result of a strong support system.

“It took a while to pass the thump na nabigay sa’kin. It was a challenging one, but I overcame it through my teammates, family, and the guidance of my coaches. Right now, I’ve just been focusing on me getting back to a hundred percent and being able to play,” he shared. 

While Anonuevo’s absence on the hardwood remains frequent, fresh recruits and familiar faces are looking to step up such as CJ Amos, Neil Owens, and fellow former Baby Tamaraw Kirby Mongcopa to name a few. 

Anonuevo’s coaching skills will be put to the test as the Tamaraws look to get their first win of the season in their next game against National University on Saturday, September 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. 

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)