Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws Janrey Pasaol and Jedric Daa voiced their full backing for their former FEU Diliman teammate Dwyne Miranda’s commitment to the National University (NU) Bulldogs as they prepare to face him as an opponent in the upcoming University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88.

“Para sa akin, masaya rin naman ako para sa kaniya kasi naghanap lang din naman siya ng bigger opportunities para sa kaniya. That’s why I’m excited na makalaban siya kasi former teammates kami ni Dwyne (For me, I’m also happy for him because he was just looking for bigger opportunities for himself. That’s why I’m excited to compete against him since Dwyne and I were former teammates),” Daa shared in an interview with FEU Advocate.

Pasaol echoed Daa’s sentiments, believing that Miranda simply followed the opportunities he truly wanted in his heart.

 “Same lang kay Jed, masaya rin kami kasi siyempre may mga bigger opportunities. Kumbaga, nahanap niya lang din ‘yung nasa puso niya so masaya kami para kay Dwyne (Same with Jed, we’re happy because there are bigger opportunities [for him]. He just found what’s in his heart so we’re happy for Dwyne),” he shared.

NU Bulldogs head coach Jeff Napa confirmed the former Baby Tam’s move last May 31.

Miranda donned the green-and-gold for three years, and played alongside fellow UAAP Season 85 juniors champions Daa and Pasaol. 

The 5-foot-11 guard had initially planned to return to the green-and-gold for Season 88, after finishing his high school playing years with the Mapua Red Cardinals.

With five years of playing eligibility, Miranda is set to suit up for the NU Bulldogs for his collegiate career as he prepares to face off against his father, FEU basketball program head Denok Miranda, in Season 88.

The show must go on

Despite Veejay Pre’s departure to the University of the Philippines, both Pasaol and Daa remained hopeful for a strong showing in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup after establishing a 2-0 win streak against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers last June 2.

Pasaol credited their current success in the preseason to other teammates stepping up, such as former high school teammate and Season 85 Finals Most Valuable Player Kirby Mongcopa.

“Marami naman nag-step-up. Kakarating lang ni Kirby, kababalik lang sa game—so masaya kami sa team namin ngayon, sa kung ano narating namin ngayon pa lang (Many have stepped up. Kirby just arrived, and he’s getting back into the game—so we’re happy with where we are and what we’ve achieved so far),” he said.

After a two-year absence due to a motorcycle injury, Mongcopa played his first-ever game back in the collegiate scene during the said UST match.

The Season 85 Juniors Champions will now go their separate ways in Season 88, with Daa, Pasaol, and Mongcopa still on the FEU roster. On the flipside, Pre will sit out one year of residency with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons while Miranda heads to the NU Bulldogs.

- Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

(Photos by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate; Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)