By Marcus Isaac D.G. Bandong

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers expressed enthusiasm over newly acquired guards Neil Owens and CJ Amos who will suit up for the green-and-gold squad this upcoming University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88.

The Morayta-based cagers added the two new ready-to-play recruits by acquiring Amos and Owens last July 23 and September 6, respectively. 

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Chambers expects Owens to provide leadership and be a reliable guard like Jorick Bautista.

"Neil is very talented, another dynamic shooter, similar to [Jorick] Bautista. We expect him to give us a little leadership, but mainly he just gives us a little stability and another body that we can use at the guard position,” the lead tactician shared.

Prior to his debut in the UAAP, the Filipino-American cager repped Claremont-Mudd-Scripps for four years at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III level in the United States of America, where he averaged 11.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. 

Owens was then discovered by FEU in their Sacramento Professional Basketball League Pro-Am summer camp stint last July.

Meanwhile, the green-and-gold tactician acknowledged Amos’ 3-and-D repertoire and his potential to have an overall impact for the Morayta-based cagers next season.

"He's also another dynamic shooter. Another thing about me, I love guys that can shoot the three-ball and defend, so CJ is another dynamic shooter and we expect him to contribute as well,” he said.

The six-foot-two Filipino-Australian shooter chose FEU over De La Salle University despite his playing stint at the Pinoyliga Next Man Cup and his connection with his brother, Mason Amos. He credited his playing time as the clincher for his decision.

With two sharpshooters added to the team, Chambers aims to reinforce their offensive playstyle with three-point shooting this upcoming season.

“I think the last game we played, we made like 20 three-point shots. We're shooting the ball very well and that's what we want to do," he expressed.

Looking to start off strong, the Tamaraws will face Ateneo de Manila University for the Season 88-opener on Saturday, September 20, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)