EMMAN Ojoula was supposed to be Far Eastern University's foreign player this UAAP Season 82.
But with the UAAP Board ruling against the entry of the Nigerian bruiser, the Tamaraws had to go back to their original plans and field Cameroonian slotman Patrick Tchuente for the campaign.
Those sudden change of plans, though it favored him, still lit a fire under Tchuente.
"Of course, yes," the 6-foot-11 center said. "It's a source of motivation because I was not alone anymore. I have to fight for the spot, so it helped me a lot to grow and to be better."
On Wednesday, Tchuente had his finest night for the green-and-gold in FEU's 66-55 win over La Salle.
He posted 19 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks as he manned the paint for the Tamaraws in their bounce back win to level their standing to 2-2.
And that performance only puts a smile on the face of coach Olsen Racela.
"I’ve been hard on him ever since because I expect a lot from Patrick," the PBA legend said.
"Ang goal niya really is to protect the paint, neutralize the opposing teams’ foreign student-athlete, and I think he has been doing a good job of that. But now, he did more. That’s not going to happen every game, but I just like to commend him for his effort every single day in practice. He welcomes all our comments and criticisms and that’s how we get better."
Racela also lauded Tchuente for stepping up to the plate when the plans of fielding Ojoula this year did not pan out.
"The thing about that is here sa FEU, we’re all family. We supported Patrick and he knows the situation. When Emman couldn’t suit up, we supported him and then we told Patrick that we’re here for him to support him also and give him encouragement. That’s why I think he’s doing his job and he’s just doing his role," he said.
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