Despite lacking a definitive superstar, the Adamson Falcons have exceeded expectations in UAAP Season 87, thriving through team development and a system-focused approach under coach Nash Racela.
Few would have seen the Adamson Soaring Falcons as a Final Four contender in UAAP Season 87.
But after five games so far in the tournament, the Soaring Falcons sit at solo fourth with a 3-2 record, surprising many with their close victories against those considered to be playoff contenders.
The latest was their victory over the NU Bulldogs after Joshua Yerro made the game-winning tip with 0.3 seconds left.
[ALSO READ: ‘Papasok to’: Joshua Yerro had confidence in game-winning tip for Adamson vs NU in UAAP Season 87]
Adamson was expected to be in rebuild mode following the departure of Jerom Lastimosa, who only played two games in Season 86 due an ACL injury.
Playing without a superstar or a prized recruit for the past two seasons, coach Nash Racela and his coaching staff continue to find ways to succeed—something he believes is a testament to their program.
“I guess it says a lot about the program that we're building. Hindi madali,” Racela told One Sports. “I think everybody knows it's not easy to recruit players now considering the landscape of college basketball, but siyempre kami naman, we just try our best, make do with what we have.” ‘
The Soaring Falcons have continuously developed players into budding stars in the league by giving them numerous opportunities to grow and improve in their team.
“Maybe not most talented players, the high profile players, or not the blue chip players, but these kids, these are still players,” Racela explained. “Siguro medyo nahuhuli lang ng development ng konti, maybe a little bit less talent but I think in time, siguro as long you're being patient with them then made-develop din.”
[ALSO READ: Twin dynamos: two-way guards Cade and Austin Ronzone vow to go all-out in Adamson debut]
This is something that Racela hopes other players would consider when deciding which UAAP school to join.
No matter where the player may come from or how underdeveloped he still is, as long as he is open to learning, a place is open for him in San Marcelino.
“Hopefully, people also see that especially 'yung mga players na would want to play for a UAAP team,” said the Adamson tactician.
“Minsan 'yun ang [isip] nila because in our program, we give opportunities to grow and to play, which I don't think other schools can always give them. We'll do our best from our end as coaches to help the players that we have,” he added.
The Soaring Falcons have been a good surprise so far in Season 87, and coach Nash hopes that their surprises will only continue as the competition progresses.
“We expect to have some surprises. Nakaka-ilan na rin so I think UST was a surprise, today's game was another surprise so sige lang dating lang ng dating. Welcome samin lahat ng surprises,” said Racela.
[NEXT: After Joshua Yerro’s game-winner, coach Nash Racela wants his Adamson Falcons to keep believing]