Watch out for the new cats!
The hype surrounding the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament has been off the charts. A big reason for that was the influx of hot new talents. Understandably, a lot is expected from these supposed rookie sensations. Luckily for their teams, the young guns seem ready to accept the challenge.
One Sports spoke with four neophyte hotshots before the tournament and they shared their thoughts on entering the UAAP.
Mason Amos - Forward, Ateneo Blue Eagles: “I’ve been waiting for this for quite a long time, even since last year, watching the finals. I’ve always wanted to be a part of something like this. And to play for Ateneo, it’s even better."
"I know there’s going to be a lot of pressure on us being the defending champions. But that was last season. This is a new season, so we got to lock in and just play our system, play to all the things that we can control. But when it comes to pressure, I think I’m ready.”
SJ Moore - Guard, UST Growling Tigers: "Medyo nag-a-adjust pa ko. Siyempre, it's a whole new level of game, whole new level of talent. Napasok ako sa UST na magandang program. Ang dami kong natutunan. Marami akong makukuha, lalo na sa bago kong coaches. I think kaya ko naman sumabay ngayong season. Right now, all I want to do is support the team and whatever they want from me, I’ll try to give it to them, full (100) percent."
"They can expect me to get rebounds because that’s one of my big advantages. I can jump high. I can also give them a couple of points, especially on transition because I run fast."
Reinhard Jumamoy - Guard, NU Bulldogs: "Nakaka-adjust naman ako. Tinutulungan ako ng teammates ko, mga kuya ko. Sobrang welcome ako sa kanila kaya napadali ‘yung buhay ko as a rookie. May mistakes ako pero nandiyan sila, tinutulungan nila ako to be more matured."
“Gusto kong maging leader kahit bata pa ako. Gusto kong maging vocal sa kanila para matulungan ko sila. Siyempre, point guard ako. Kaya tinutulungan ako ng mga kuya ko, sina (Steve) Nash Enriquez tsaka si Kean (Baclaan) to be a better leader.”
Mouhamed Faty - Center, FEU Tamaraws: “I’m really excited. I’ve been watching the UAAP before and I saw how exciting it is. But I'm also a bit nervous. It's my first time to play with the whole crowd around me."
"I can tell the fans that I will do the best I can to help the team win, not individually, but as a team.”
RELATED STORY: Way-too-early picks for UAAP Season 86 men's basketball individual awards
This season's group of rookies got size, skill, and swag. It feels like ready for the takeover. The young bloods are here, so whoever comes across them better act accordingly.
Watch UAAP Season 86 basketball action on One Sports, the UAAP Varsity Channel, or the Pilipinas Live app.
(With reports from Julio Sampedro, One Sports Digital)