ADAMSON once had a 3-7 record midway through UAAP Season 87 off a five-game losing streak.
But a late twist of fate saw the Soaring Falcons win four of their last five, including their fourth-seed playoff against University of the East to formalize their semifinals entry.
READ: Montebon's preseason prediction holds true as Adamson makes semis
Did Adamson head coach Nash Racela, who set his personal expectations to a minimum prior to the season, see such a late turnaround come their way?
Yes, he did.
“To be honest, I knew that our team, our players are capable of doing this. Kailangan and siyempre, nothing is very clear and you cannot assume,” said Racela.
One thing this campaign made clearer to Racela is that talent may boost teams, but it’ll still take a united front to get results.
“Always, you cannot assume, the same way other people say na they assume we're number eight,” the Soaring Falcons shot-caller said.
“I’m thankful to those guys na sinasabi nga na, which is true, na if you base it on talent, medyo nasa baba talaga kami. But it doesn't mean you cannot win games.
“When you play together, you help each other, then good things happen. That's something which we preach always.”
Adamson’s fight and flight
Reaching the Final Four against all odds gives Adamson’s seniors program a much-welcome push.
Not only will Season 87 go down as validation to Racela's system and coaching philosophy, it will also re-assert the fact that resilience and defiance in the face of adversity can go a long way.
“It motivates, number one, the players in our program. Number two, I hope it inspires other people na kahit na ang tingin sa inyo, laging nasa baba, we find ways to climb up that ladder and right now be in the middle," the brilliant tactician said.
“We just remind them to just take advantage of opportunities. Nandito ka na, bakit titiklop ka pa?
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