JUST a couple of years ago, Far Eastern University’s horizon was brighter than ever, as it anticipated the arrival of its title-winning core from the juniors division.
But the promising pipeline took a hit when Veejay Pre departed to the other side of Diliman to the University of the Philippines.
Fast forward to UAAP Season 89 last Sunday, and in the Tamaraws' first meeting against the Fighting Maroons, it was the team that had lost its former Rookie of the Year that came out on top.
Kirby Mongcopa led the green-and-gold with 24 points and nine rebounds, overshadowing Pre’s 16 and five boards that served as the lone bright spot in State U’s second straight loss.
READ: Cone's words ring inside Chambers' head as FEU downs UP
Even when it looked as if the two talented forwards had a battle that fed into all the storylines birthed from Pre’s departure, Mongcopa made it clear it was all business.
“Wala naman kaming iniinda kanina,” he told SPIN.ph. “Wala naman kaming iniisip na galit o ganyan. Competitive lang talaga kami.”
“Sobrang focus ko din. Alam ko din na focus din siya sa game niya. Yun nga, trabaho lang.”
Good luck pa rin, Pre!
In Season 87, the promotion to the seniors squad of Mongcopa, Pre, Janrey Pasaol, and Jedric Daa was the light at the end of the tunnel for the Final Four-deprived FEU faithful.
Then came Mongcopa's freak motorcycle accident. Then came Pre packing his bags for UP.
These very same Baby Tamaraws leading the Tamaraws to the Promised Land wasn't meant to be.
“Yun ang hinintay ng lahat eh. Yung buong team na kasama kami lahat. So sad lang na ganun nangyari,” Mongcopa said.
Still, Mongcopa was quick to point out that he and those who stayed Tams understood Pre and where his decision came from.
“Naiintindihan ko naman siya kasi siguro, kailangan din niya, kailangan din sa family niya," he said. "Gusto niya talaga sa FEU mag-stay, pero yun nga, may kailangan talaga. So yun, sinugal niya para sa pamilya niya.”
As Mongcopa continued to wish Pre well with the Fighting Maroons, he also had one constant reminder that nonetheless hits close to home: be brave.
“Sabi ko lang, tapangan at trabahuin mo lang yan,” he said.
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