Losing out on UAAP blue chip recruits from the transfer portal due to other schools having more resources, Adamson University is happy to develop players from within.
The Adamson Soaring Falcons may be lagging behind in signing blue chip recruits, but that doesn’t mean that the San Marcelino squad is failing to keep in pace during the UAAP offseason.
Instead of luring in transfers, the Falcons shift their focus towards their own brood and develop players from their high school program.
With their offseason preparations highlighted by a title run in AsiaBasket, the Soaring Falcons are slowly but surely shaping themselves up as a formidable title contender in UAAP Season 88.
Speaking on One PH’s
Power & Play, Adamson head coach Nash Racela spoke about the importance of developing their players from the juniors level, especially as multiple players recently moved up to the senior team.
“Malaking bagay 'yung high school program. That’s why kami, there’s really a good relationship between the high school coaches, and the college coaches. Si Coach Mike Fermin, who is the head coach of the high school team is also part of our staff sa seniors. This is also similar to the one we had in FEU nung a couple of years ago,” Racela said.
“For us kasi, nagsisimula 'yung bakbakan sa baba eh — sa high school. It helps also the players transition easily dun sa program sa college and it also gives us a better chance of really getting them and buying in do sa programa na meron kami sa seniors,” he added.
Among players who committed to join Racela’s squad are Earl Medina, Allen Perez, Zahir Sajili, Jireh Tumaneng, CJ Umali, and JR Abayon.
Though Racela admits that they’re still far from reaching the pinnacle of their skills at the college level, he believes that with enough exposure and experience before the UAAP season begins, they can get themselves to the skill level Adamson requires.
“These are potentially good players. But syempre, there’s always 'yung transition ba from high school to college. Not all good high school players are effective sa college. We’re hoping that with the exposure that we give them, that will really help them prepare for college,” said Racela.
“Malaking bagay sila sa amin. Dahil again, it’s an open secret na hirap din kami mag-recruit. So talagang medyo inaalagaan namin 'yung players namin sa baba.”
The youngsters join a core of holdovers led by Cedrick Manzano, AJ Fransman, and Monty Montebon.
Despite the preseason crown, Adamson isn’t too quick to celebrate just yet. But at the end of the day, he’s happy to see his team march in the right direction.
“We’re happy with our preseason preparations. Siguro, if you want me to rate it, I’d say right now, we’re at 7 or 8. So many things to really improve on and that’s exactly the reason why we joined 'yung tournaments no? Para makita kung nasan talaga kami and mga kailangan ayusin,” he said.
“And so far, masaya naman kami. Nagrrespond 'yung mga bata. Kahit na slow progress, pero for us, it’s still progress.”
The Soaring Falcons finished in the Final Four in Season 87, when they tallied a 6-8 record.