Since taking charge of the FEU Tamaraws in 2024, former PBA star‑turned‑coach Sean Chambers has continued to lift the Morayta‑based squad’s status back to title contenders, zooming to their first 2‑1 start in over eight years in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Following a statement 90‑78 victory over the La Salle Green Archers on Wednesday, September 30, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Chambers lauded the continuous effort of the team’s core pieces while looking back on his previous agonizing seasons with the Tamaraws.
“We got in the gym, we got better, we pushed each other… Pain can be some of your best teachers,” Chambers said postgame. “It’s the continuity… The core of our team is back, that’s the beauty of this team, there’s nothing new.”
Sophomore wing Kirby Mongcopa led FEU with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, while hotshot rookie Cabs Cabonilas spearheaded the second unit with 17 points and 6 rebounds on an efficient 58.3% clip.
Sean Chambers Lauds FEU’s Early Hot Start
Despite a seeming trend of heating up only in the latter part of the season, Sean Chambers commended the Tamaraws’ chemistry at the start of this campaign that has helped them claim back‑to‑back wins after a heartbreaking opener against the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
The former Alaska Aces import doubled down on the bright future of his young Morayta cagers but reminded them to stay level‑headed as games continue to progress.
“These guys are young, there’s so much to get better at… We’re gonna take this win, we’ll be excited for it today, but then tomorrow we gotta be mature and move on to the next one,” Chambers said. “I’m happy that we’re there… It does feel good to be on this side of the table for my third year.”
The Tamaraws’ championship capabilities will be put to the test as they are set to face multiple title contenders in the coming weeks, with their first assignment being the reigning silver medalists UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, October 4, at the PhilSports Arena.
