REHAB will be Far Eastern University forward Cholo Añonuevo’s main priority while the Tamaraws continue to charge on in UAAP Season 88, as his ill-timed ACL injury forced him to the sidelines this year.
Next year's PBA Draft or a stint in the MPBL are now what the future holds for Añonuevo, as he will be 25 years old by Season 89, incidentally hosted by the Morayta-based school.
“Unfortunately, bawal na due to my age,” he told SPIN.ph of the unceremonious close to his collegiate career. “Dinecide ko na din na hindi ko na pipilitin yung injury ko right now kasi I'm not 100-percent pa rin.”
Though no stranger to playing through injuries, the 6-foot-4 ace opted against braving through it this time, considering his future past the green-and-hold.
“I'm just thinking for my future lang din. Kaya nag-sit out na lang muna talaga ako this season,” he added.
In the meantime, though, Añonuevo remains very much part of FEU by officially joining Sean Chambers’ coaching staff.
When asked what prompted the temporary switch from the court itself to its sidelines, he answered it was healthy encouragement from the bosses who realized that his hefty contributions outside of scoring can translate to the playbook.
As he explained, “Yung process was idea pala ni coach Sean at nila (athletic director) sir Mark Molina. Coaching naman is ok kasi I know the guys, I know yung capabilities nila. I've played with them, I know what their tendencies are. Minsan, 'pag may mali sila, sinasabihan ko.”
Coaching the new coach
As he has been closely guided by mentors like Chambers and deputy Gabby Severino, Añonuevo gained a newfound respect for coaching when he realized the determination needed for the job.
“Just the time and effort they put in talaga for the team. I feel like us players dati, we don't really see it, how much effort they put in. But the amount of effort we're putting in right now to make sure na we give FEU a winning chance again, I feel like that's the only one.”
“And how they handle it on that side, I feel like it'll help me as a player as well, progressing sa pro na what I can see sa floor, what I expect sa mga players, and of course, sa sarili ko,” he added.
With the Tamaraws’ roster having mostly rookies and sophomores, the veteran presence and playmaking of Añonuevo could have been more than helpful for their campaign.
Fortunately for them, Añonuevo isn’t letting his injuries stop him from his end goal of making an impact - even in a different role this time around.
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