By Andrei M. Barrantes

In their latest test of strength in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87, Far Eastern University (FEU) defeated Adamson University (AdU) in their most impressive win margin so far this season. While the Soaring Falcons saw everyone from the veterans to the rookies chipping in to bury them in the three-set sweep, the seniors were noticeably absent from the action, especially team captain Jelord Talisayan.

With zero minutes played, that’s the second straight game where the senior spiker went scoreless, after being in for only a couple minutes in their previous win against Ateneo de Manila University last Wednesday, April 9.

However, this decline in playing time is not due to his play. Rather, a sacrifice for the continuous rise of their youngsters, with rookie Amet Bituin specifically stepping into the scene.

In an exclusive interview with FEU Advocate, the Tamaraw skipper revealed that the possibility of fluctuating playing time was already at the back of his head early on, but it was more for the team’s benefit than their downfall.

“Before pa mag-start ang season, alam ko sa sarili ko na buo ang lineup, meron at meron talagang ilalabas. Kumbaga walang butas sa amin eh. Kung sino ipasok mo diyan sa first six, alam kong magpe-perform (Even before the season began, I already knew that the lineup is well-rounded, there will always be someone sidelined. In a way, we’re flawless, regardless of who you put in the first six, I know they will perform),” he explained.

Most of all, he maintained that upholding his beliefs as a team player is just as important as contributing when your number is called.

“Regardless naman doon, lahat naman napagbibigyan ng pagkakataon. ‘Tsaka ‘yung iniisip ko naman [ay] hindi naman pansarili ko lang eh—dapat iniisip ko ‘yung sa team (Regardless of that, everyone is given a chance. To add to that, I always think about what’s best for the team, not just myself),” he said.

Even though his role as one of the main options for the team has seen better days, Talisayan has since embraced whatever challenge the coaches have for him, saying that his impact is now more crucial in the huddles and on the sidelines.

“May tiwala naman ako sa lahat ng lineup namin, ‘tsaka kung saan kami kulang, kung saan ako makaka-contribute, doon ako magko-contribute… Hindi naman always physical, mental, but also emotional, kung paano i-uplift ang kasama (I trust all of our lineups, so if there is an area that’s lacking where I can contribute, that’s where I’ll contribute. It might not always be physically or mentally, but also emotionally to uplift my teammates),” he added.

A captain ever since

While his minimized role on the court is a new feeling for Talisayan, being a leader is a role that he has carried ever since he stepped into the seniors division of the UAAP.

Ever since his arrival in Season 85, the Negros Oriental native always assumed the role of team captain, even in most of their preseason tournaments.

His motivation? The trust given to him by his first head coach and former FEU tactician, Rei Diaz, who threw him into the fire as early as his rookie season and fostering the leadership that he wields today.

“Nung first year ko po na ginawa niya akong captain. Hindi ko alam kung ano nakita niya sa akin. Parang na-boost din nun ‘yung morale ko na at an early age, pinagkatiwalaan niya ako na mag-lead sa team (In my first year, when he made me captain. I did not know what he saw in me. I think it boosted my morale that he already trusted me to lead the team at an early age),” he stated.

Now that Talisayan wears both hats of being the captain and one of the seniors, his guidance holds more value regardless of whether he suits up for their remaining elimination game or not.

If he has proven anything, it's that he is more than willing to embrace any role, and is willing to do whatever it takes to avoid a repeat of their past season’s mistakes.

(Photo by Aleena Louise Abad/FEU Advocate)