WITH barely eight months of preparation under a new coach, Far Eastern University aims to exceed expectations anew and reclaim lost glory in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament.
After his appointment late last year, Olsen Racela took over what his younger brother Nash has left off including the team’s battlecry #BeBrave.
“Hashtag namin ‘be brave,’ so these players are going to really give their all and tapang talaga ang ipapakita nila, they will not back down against anyone,” said Racela.
“They will really give their best, 'yun ang makikita ng mga tao this coming season, 16 players willing to sacrifice for each other and will really give their best,” he added.
[See FEU-La Salle rivalry has a long list of heated battles]
FEU lost last year’s key players Raymar Jose and Monbert Arong but Racela is hopeful for the new season with some standouts finally eligible to play finishing residency requirements.
Arvin Tolentino, Hubert Cani, Jasper Parker, Ronnel Ramirez, Alec Stockton will team up with graduating players Joe Trinidad and Ron Dennison, while Prince Orizu is expected to anchor the team at the post.
Coming off a controversial ‘basket-brawl’ against La Salle in Davao two weeks before the season opens, Racela reminded his wards to focus on what’s ahead.
“We always have that ‘next play’ mentality, kalimutan mo na ang nangyari in the past, whether you get frustrated because of a turnover, whether you make a basket and you were very happy,” he said.
“Basketball is a 40-minute game sabi ko sa kanila you focus on the next play,” he added.
[See UAAP Season 80 Preview: UP Fighting Maroons]
Coincidentally, FEU’s first assignment is La Salle on Sunday. Here’s how they plan to shock the UAAP competition anew this season.
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