SIX times a champion with Alaska in 12 years as a PBA player taught Sean Chambers a thing or two about the ins and outs of Philippine basketball.
READ: FEU 'forgotten guard' Jorick Bautista makes his presence felt in takedown of Ateneo
Now head coach of a young FEU side in his first taste of local college hoops, wins have eluded Chambers in five opening matches before eking out a 66-65 escape in the first overtime game of UAAP Season 87 over Ateneo.
It may have been a rude awakening, but the Tamaraws’ newest shot-caller treated every single defeat to date as chances for his wards to learn how to better weather the storms that'll still come their way.
‘Bawi’
One particular attribute Chambers grew fond of through the years is how Filipinos personify the age-old quote 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger,’ more so when it comes to basketball.
Hence, the desire to rise above the adversity has kept them afloat in the midst a rough 0-5 start to a new era in Morayta.
“One of the most beautiful characteristics of the Filipino people is that you go through like a tough loss like we did, we just, what's the word, ‘bawi.’ We just come back the next day and get back to work,” Chambers said.
“Every loss, I just feel like it falls on me to get them prepared for this level. Now, I understand and see how hard we have to go and how hard we have to prepare.
“I’m glad they got that first win and I think it's going to continue to grow. But, it's a journey and I have no problem with that.”
Passing of the torch
From the moment he took on the Tamaraws' job, Chambers has already accepted the fact that it’ll take time to turn a young pack into a title-contender.
It would then be imperative for him to pass on not only his knowledge of the Xs and Os on the basketball court, but also his winning attitude grounded on grit, perseverance and love for the game.
“We have nine rookies and they're just like, 'Hey, we're playing basketball.' When I watch these guys in practice, they're like kids at a parade. They're playing basketball and they're having the time of their lives."
And as Chambers put it, “Soon, they are the future of the UAAP. They will be dynamite for the rest of this year and for years to come as long as they're managed right. But if you don't manage them right, you'll destroy them early.
“They're all my sons now. I want this so much for them.”
Time will come, in Chambers’ view, that this group of FEU players will be a ‘problem’ for the rest of the league sooner than later.
“Pretty soon, every team is going to have a hard time with us because they're going to get comfortable, then they're going to get situated to my system, the triangle, and all that stuff.
“Everybody is really, really good at what they do here. So, my job is to make sure I elevate my guys' game for them so they’ll have a chance to win more games.”
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