THERE’S a lot to be excited about for fans of Adamson.
After the exit of onetime King Falcon Jerom Lastimosa, a late playoff push had them making it to the UAAP Season 87 Final Four before bowing to La Salle.
Not long after, the white-and-blue's supposedly retooling roster was further fortified by promising prospects courtesy of their high school pipeline. The likes of bigs Jireh Tumaneng and Allen Perez and do-it-all wing Earl Medina got promoted from Baby Falcons to Soaring Falcons.
READ: Racela celebrates 'breakthrough' as Adamson finally reaps rewards of contending HS team
San Marcelino's refreshed core then got its first taste of collegiate hoops in the Playtime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup.
Tumaneng and Perez seemed to be still adjusting, averaging around under five points and five rebounds, but Medina’s two-way play translated right away, as he put up norms of 12 markers.
Though expected, head coach Nash Racela saw silver linings in an otherwise forgettable preseason tourney that had them winning only once in five games against UAAP foes.
“So far, I’m happy. The goal, really, this preseason is to give the other guys their needed exposure. Moreso ‘yung mga high school players namin na umakyat,” he said.
“Not perfect, siyempre when you use the younger players, but I’m happy with what they gave us. They give us hope looking forward this season.”
With the retention of that much talent from their grassroots program that even won its first boys’ basketball championship two years ago, it looks like a return to the Final Four is well within reach for Adamson.
Racela, however, is singing a different tune.
“Maturity takes time, ‘yun ang certain. I think one thing na people must understand is that ‘yung college basketball is so much different than high school. There are a lot of high school players who are very successful, pagdating sa college, nawawala,” he explained.
Adamson takes its time
According to the Soaring Falcons' shot-caller, it’s the coaches’ responsibility to prepare the players in their adjustment to the seniors ranks, so that ultimately, they can begin to contribute.
But that adjustment takes time, which Racela predicts could be a while yet
As he said, “We’re looking at two years bago maging full-blown athletes yang mga yan. That's why ako, I don't want to really put pressure on them.”
“I see as it goes, kung paano sila magre-react. After two months of seeing them and coaching them, I see very positive signs.”
READ: Led by Medina, Adamson has young Falcons about to break out of their shell
Nonetheless, the veteran tactician isn’t ruling out the possibility that his young wards will find their groove quicker, especially with their championship pedigree.
“But siyempre, we would also take kung mapaaga. Kung next month, biglang mahinog na agad yang mga yan, why not diba?" he said.
“But ako as a coach, I lower my expectations because I want surprises.”
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