Did FEU just get its next King Tamaraw?
The FEU Tamaraws have joined the arms race in UAAP Men’s Basketball, securing the commitment of high school star Janrey Pasaol for next season—and possibly beyond.
Pasaol, a five-foot-11 guard, was among the standouts of the UAAP Season 85 Juniors Basketball tournament, norming per game averages of 15.7 points, 6.7 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.4 steals for FEU-Diliman. He was fittingly named to the Mythical Five for his efforts, joining highly touted prospects Reinhard Jumamoy and Kristian Porter and standouts Kobe Demisana and Rhylle Melencio.
Perhaps more impressive, Pasaol helped the Baby Tamaraws win it all in Season 85. In fact, he was all sorts of sublime in FEU’s championship-clinching victory over the Adamson Junior Falcons, dropping a game-high 21 points, dishing off 8 dimes, grabbing 4 boards, and swiping 4 steals.
"Pinili kong mag-stay sa FEU kasi sobra-sobra ang pasasalamat ko sa kanila sa laking tulong nila sa 'kin, 'di lang sa basketball, kundi sa buhay pa," said Pasaol as he committed to FEU for the next step in his basketball career. "Thankful din ako kasi ito 'yung school na pinapangarap ng iba at nabigyan ako ng chance na makapag-aral at makapaglaro rito.”
Pasaol, the younger brother of PBA player Alvin Pasaol, gives FEU an additional weapon in what promises to be an action-packed, ultra-competitive UAAP Season 86 Men's Seniors Basketball tournament. The Tamaraws will be looking to make up for a lackluster performance last season, when they missed the Final Four for the first time after eight consecutive trips the last dance.
The Morayta-based squad, who handed over the coaching reins to former FEU great Denok Miranda, will look to reclaim lost glory starting Season 86. And adding a player the caliber of Pasaol is sure to help that cause.
(With reports from Luisa Morales, The Philippine Star)