New head coach Sean Chambers will lead a promising FEU Tamarraws roster of homegrown and international talent in hopes of ending their Final Four drought in UAAP Season 87.
If there’s one team that impressed many during the offseason, it had to be the Far Eastern University.
While other UAAP teams snagged some prized high school recruits, the Tamaraws stayed true to their homegrown talents, which have already paid off in preseason tournaments.
The arrival of PBA legend Sean Chambers as the team’s head coach has seemingly proven to be the right decision for FEU, who have missed the Final Four in the past two seasons.
Head coach: Sean Chambers
Team captains: Royce Alforque, Cholo Anonuevo, Jorick Bautista
Key Additions: Veejay Pre, Janrey Pasaol, Jedrick Daa, Adam Nakai, Jayden Jones, Nicholas Dunque, Mo Konateh
Key losses: LJay Gonzales, Xyrus Torres, Patrick Sleat, Mo Faty
Season 86 record: 3-11 (7th)
With Chambers spearheading the recruitment of the Tamaraws, the Morayta-based squad has added numerous quality players locally and from the US to boost their Final Four hopes this season.
Youth will be a crucial factor for FEU in Season 87 as young prospects such as Pre, Pasaol, and Daa have already shown their worth during the preseason tilts.
Add to that the expected impact of Fil-Japanese Adam Nakai, Fil-Americans Jayden Jones and Nicholas Dunque, and foreign student-athlete Mo Konateh.
But of course, the focus will be on the rookie trio and former Baby Tamaraws in Pre, Pasaol, and Daa, who decided to stay within the FEU program for a shot at glory.
“Sobrang saya ko kasi knowing them since high school, 'yung hirap na pinagdaanan namin, andoon eh kaya excited kaming tatlo sa upcoming season kasi next stage na 'to para sa amin, so ipapakita lang namin kung ano 'yung kaya namin ipakita,” Daa told One Sports.
Pre, in particular, has proven to be a rookie to watch out for, averaging 16.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists during the 2024 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup and earning Mythical Team honors.
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The 6-foot-5 forward has already relished his early days under the tutelage and triangle system of Chambers, who is also an assistant coach for Gilas Pilipinas.
“Masaya po na nahawakan kami ni coach Sean kasi ibang experience 'yung [binibigay] niya sa amin like oo nga rookies lang kami pero 'yung binibigay niyang tiwala samin is grabe,” Pre told One Sports.
“‘Yung Gilas experience niya sobrang laking tulong din sa amin kasi natuturo niya sa amin 'yung mga experience niya na natututunan sa iba [na level],” he added.
Pasaol likewise acknowledged that as rookies, they are willing to do whatever is necessary for the team.
Janrey is the younger brother of former UE Red Warriors standout and Meralco Bolts’ swingman Alvin Pasaol.
“Sa amin namang tatlo, given naman 'yung samahan namin. Kailangan lang namin mag-blend in sa mga kuya namin. Kung ano 'yung mga kulang nila, 'yung lang din naman gagampanan namin,” said Pasaol.
“Ang expectation lang nila sa amin, gagawin talaga namin kung ano 'yung nararapat at kung ano 'yung gusto ni coach Sean sa FEU,” he added.
Given their solid preseason run, the FEU community could finally see their Final Four drought come to an end with a hungry Tamaraws squad ready to do battle.