Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws continue to display young talent ahead of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) after placing fourth in the recent Asiabasket International Championship last Tuesday, July 16, at Enderun Colleges in Taguig City.

The green-and-gold squad's first game in the tournament resulted in a win against the San Beda University Red Lions as super-rookie Veejay Pre led the way with 18 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, securing the win, 82-74.

In their second showing, the Tamaraws won the game with a 17-point margin against the Mapua University Cardinals, 86-69. Veteran guard Royce Alforque showcased his skills as he put up 19 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in the victory.

The Morayta-based cagers’ winning streak ended as they were dominated by the Adamson University Soaring Falcons in a 23-point loss, 56-79.

Disappointed from their last game, the green-and-gold squad decimated DKI Jakarta with a 41-point win behind Pre’s 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists, 79-38.

With a 3-1 standing in the tournament, the rookie-laden team advanced to the playoffs.

Dominance continued from the super-rookie as Pre put up a MVP-caliber statline with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in the quarterfinals win against National Formosa University Taiwan, 94-89.

In the semifinals, both the FEU Tamaraws and the National University Bulldogs were hungry for a chance to play at the final stage, resulting in a back-and-forth affair that ended in a six-point loss for the green-and-gold squad, 79-85.

Despite falling short of the finals, the FEU Tamaraws played the battle-for-third against the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazers, where they almost pulled off a comeback win but ultimately fell short in the final minutes of the game, 77-84.

The complete game of Pre was displayed as he averaged 19.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, while FEU guard Janrey Pasaol exhibited his great passing ability, averaging 11.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game.

The stellar play from both Pre and Pasaol ultimately earned them a selection to the All-Asiabasket 1st team, even with the young squad placing 4th in the tournament.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, the super-rookie stated that he was elated with the recognition but his focus is on becoming a better player for the upcoming UAAP Season 87.

“Syempre masaya, pero marami pa akong kailangan i-improve and i-adjust para sa akin, para pagdating ng UAAP, mas ready na ako. (Of course I'm happy, but there is still a lot of improvement, and adjustment that I need to focus on, when the UAAP season comes, I'll be ready),” Pre shared.

The super-rookie also mentioned the trust that the coaches have for him, inspiring him to be more determined to improve his play on the hardwood.

“Nakakasunod naman ako sa pinapagawa sa’kin [nina] Coach Sean [Chambers], Coach Denok [Miranda], and other coaches, and malaki tiwala nila sa’kin kaya gina-grab ko ito and ginagawa ko best ko para mapakita sa kanila na hindi sayang (I can follow what Coach Sean Chambers tells me to do, with the help of Coach Denok Miranda, and other coaches. They trust me, that's why I will do my best to show them that my talent is not going to be wasted)," he stated.

In addition, Pasaol commended the great play of his teammates and Coach Denok Miranda after he displayed his exceptional passing ability.

"Sa tingin ko trabaho ko iyon, kailangan kong pagalingin ‘yung mga teammate ko. Ayan naman lagi sinasabi sakin ni Coach Denok [Miranda] sa'kin, kailangan ko mag facilitate sa team kasi sa point guard talaga unang nanggagaling ‘yung bola, at saka marami rin akong magagaling na teammates. (It is my job to help my teammates get better, that is what Coach Denok Miranda always tells me. As a point guard, I need to facilitate my team, since I handle the ball first, not to mention my teammates are also great)," Pasaol stated.

The outcome of the competition solidified the rookie-laden FEU Tamaraws as a team to look out for in the upcoming season of the UAAP.

Asiabasket International Championship is a basketball tournament that highlights the talents of upcoming Southeast Asian collegiate and international teams.

- Marcus Isaac D.G Bandong
(Photo courtesy of Asiabasket)