Former FEU Tamaraws star guard RJ Abarrientos hailed his former school after the Tamaraws secured their best start since Season 78 with a 90-79 win over the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, October 4, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The victory pushed FEU to a 3-1 record in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament, tying the Ateneo Blue Eagles for the early lead in the standings.
Three in a Row
The Morayta-based squad have now strung together three straight wins, following statement victories over defending champion La Salle Green Archers and UP Fighting Maroons. FEU last opened a season with a 3-1 record in Season 78 in 2015, when the Tamaraws eventually captured the championship.
Kirby Mongcopa led the way with 24 points and 9 rebounds, while Jorick Bautista added 16 points, and Janrey Pasaol chipped in 15. Mo Konateh also posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Mongcopa has emerged as one of FEU’s biggest contributors early in the season, averaging 15.25 points and 8.25 rebounds across four games.
Abarrientos, now with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, said he has been impressed by the development of the current Tamaraws, particularly the size and athleticism of the team.
“Ibang players na ito, ibang generation ngayon kasi mas malalaki ’yung player at sobrang skilled. Kaya sobrang iba ’yung makikita mo talaga sa mga bata ngayon,” Abarrientos said. “I’m very happy na nag-iimprove and sobrang laki ng improvement ng FEU since nung time ko… Ngayon halos lahat na six-foot na guwardiya. Lahat makikita mo mataas sila tumalon, so I am very happy na may players tayo na gano’n sa FEU.”
Abarrientos also credited head coach Sean Chambers for the Tamaraws’ continued improvement, noting that the two previously worked together with the national team.
“Sobrang happy sa improvement ng FEU with Coach Sean Chambers. Nagkasama na kami ni Coach Sean sa Gilas, ang napag-usapan namin ’yung players nila ngayon,” he added.
Abarrientos Lauds FEU’s Chemistry
After watching the Tamaraws face UP, Abarrientos acknowledged the team’s chemistry and lauded the Tams for being able to move on quickly from miscues.
“Ngayon nanonood ako ng FEU-UP, hindi ko lang nakita galing ng FEU. Nakita ko ’yung pagkakaisa nila, paano sila makinig sa coaches, paano nila tanggapin ’yung errors nila, paano maka-move on, makabalik agad,” Abarrientos said. “Iyon ’yung pagkakaiba. Magagaling pero marunong makinig,” he added.
The 5-foot-11 guard left FEU in 2022 after using his remaining collegiate eligibility to turn professional in South Korea. He played one season in the Korean Basketball League before returning to the Philippines and joining the Gin Kings.
The Morayta-based squad will look to climb atop the standings when it faces the Blue Eagles on Saturday, October 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
