MIKE Tolomia and his Phoenix Petroleum teammates, mainly composed of players from Far Eastern University, warmly welcomed Ed Daquioag to the fold, and the Tamaraws believe the former University of Santo Tomas cager is a perfect fit in their campaign for the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup crown.
Daquioag turned from a rival to teammate when he was signed up by Phoenix Petroleum, which has a school tie-up with UAAP Season 78 titlist FEU. The Tamaraws beat Daquioag’s UST Growling Tigers for the UAAP title in three games.
“Sobrang laki,” said Tolomia, when asked what impact Daquioag will bring to the team. “’Yung strength niya is transition. Ang design ng offense namin is more on transition at dribble drive kaya bagay na bagay talaga siya.”
Daquioag was UST's second leading scorer in Season 78 behind Kevin Ferrer, averaging 16.4 points in a solid outing in his final playing year where he got tabbed for the Mythical Five along with Ferrer, MVP Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo, Jeron Teng of La Salle, and Alfred Aroga of National University.
Tolomia noted that there will be little adjustments for Daquioag when he plays with Phoenix, which will also have Mac Belo, Roger Pogoy, Raymar Jose and the rest of the FEU squad who are eligible to play in the PBA D-League.
“More on conditioning kami kasi wala naman masyadong nadagdag. Core pa rin naman ng FEU so wala naman masyadong malaking adjustment,” said Tolomia.