THE last two years of Cholo Añonuevo’s UAAP career have been far from ideal.
One might even call it an athlete’s worst nightmare realized.
Injuries have long marred the 6-foot-4 ace’s collegiate career, but in true FEU fashion, he has always chosen to brave the storms that went his way.
Same old problems
After playing their Season 84 opener against UST, the Irish-raised playmaker went down with a right foot injury that left his rookie year at a standstill.
He’d return to Season 85 before being held back by fitness issues yet again the year later.
Fast forward to Season 87, his fourth year as a Tamaraw, and Añonuevo played the first two games and normed 2.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and one assist.
Five straight games missed due to an iliotibial band (IT) injury in his leg would pave the way for an early second-round comeback, where he fired three markers and two boards in his first game back vs. Adamson.
A game later, albeit scoreless in their second straight win at NU's expense, FEU head coach Sean Chambers gave the young forward his flowers for what has nonetheless been a stellar on-court return.
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“Even though Cholo didn't score, he's at a plus-10. Having him back in our lineup has been game-changing for us. So we played what, six games without him, and having him back has been game-changing for us. Just for the little things that he does,” Chambers said.
“He played at one time the 4, the 3, the 2, and the 1 today. That's a huge help for us. He didn't even score, but he's a plus-10. So I just wanna add to that. Cholo's been tremendous for us.”
Indeed, having a versatile 6-foot-5 weapon back in his arsenal has been paying dividends for the first-year shot-caller, as he and his wards have now won three of their last four games.
New lease on life
Hearing Chambers’ high regard for him meant everything and more, as he returns yet again from tedious rehabilitation.
It made him much more eager to elevate his game, not only as a player, but more so as a leader for the rookie-laden squad.
“It’s a good feeling naman na marinig ‘yung ganun sa head coach mo, lalo na kay coach Sean na galing sa PBA, one of the best imports ever,” Añonuevo told SPIN.ph.
“For me, as one of the leaders sa team, I want to step up for the young guys and for the FEU community naman talaga.”
No turbulent stretch, however, will ever deter Añonuevo from rediscovering his mojo and still be of help to the Tamaraws in any way he can, especially as he reaches the twilight of his stay in Morayta.
As he put it, “It’s been really tough for me lately, but the support of my family, the team, the coaches, and siyempre God. I just have to give Him all the glory."
“I feel like this is just the start. I feel like I can give more sa team and I know what I can do on the floor when I’m on the floor. Hopefully, through the rest of our games, I can get my groove back," he continued.
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