RR Garcia has no regrets at how his final season in college ended as he believed Far Eastern University Tamaraws gave this year’s UAAP men’s basketball championship their best shot.
The Tamaraws’ 68-71 loss to De La Salle on Wednesday formally ended Garcia’s five-year collegiate career that saw him win an MVP title in 2010 and make the Finals twice.
Unfortunately, he’ll be leaving the league without winning a championship.
But Garcia remained satisfied with how the season turned out for him and his teammates as they fought all the way to the bitter end, especially in their Final Four face-off with the Green Archers.
“Sa akin, okay naman kasi kahit last season ko ito, binigay ko ang best ko. Lumaban kami,” said the star guard from Zamboanga.
Garcia couldn’t lead the Tamaraws to victory, though, as he missed crucial baskets in the endgame including a three-pointer in the final two minutes that could have given the Morayta-based squad the lead until it rimmed out.
Instead, Garcia sang the FEU hymn for the last time as a Tamaraw with a towel draped over his head.
Still the senior was proud of the school's season, saying playing as a team was the big difference for the Tamaraws this season compared to the previous one.
“Masaya ako kasi kahit papano, buo kami. Kasi watak watak kami last season,” admitted Garcia.
The former league MVP will now turn his attention to Gilas Pilipinas where he will be part of the cadet team for one more year before making himself eligible for the PBA draft.
Despite his exit, Garcia still sees FEU as a tough contender next season.
“Siguro andyan pa rin ang FEU,” he said.
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