The FEU Tamaraws are ready to charge

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY TAMARAWS

UAAP Season 82 (2019) record: 8-6, 3^RD place after elimination round

Lost to UST in the stepladder semi-finals

Coach: Olsen RACELA (5th Season)

Subtractions: Barkley Ebonia, Wendell Comboy, Hubert Cani, Kimlee Bayquin, Joseph Nunag, Travis Mantua

Decommitted: Ken Tuffin

Holdovers: Rey Bienes, LJ Gonzales, Royce Alforque, Xyrus Torres, Daniel Celzo, JR Dulatre, James Tempra

Additions:

Transferees:  Ximone Sandagon

Team B: Emman Ojuola,  Bryan Sajonia, Aevin Coquia,

Rookies: RJ Abarrientos (FEU), Chiolo Añonuevo (FEU), Rodel Gravera, (UC) Jason Li (LPU) Patrick Sleat (FEU)

Reserves:, Patrick Kamdem Tchuente, Mouhamed Faty, Kevin Kendrick C. Guibao, Jorick Kyle A. Bautista,

 

Background: The Tamaraws were on a three-game winning streak going to the Season 82 final four with convincing wins over LaSalle & UE until they got sidetracked by an inspired UST team. It was worthy to note that it was the Tamaraws that almost beat the Blue Eagles when they led by 11 at the half of their second-round game. Unfortunately, the Eagle’s experience helped them get back and win.

Key changes: 

The FEU team is one of only two teams with their head coach returning and most of their major players coming back. Holdovers of this team are Rey Bienes, LJ Gonzales, Royce Alforque, Xyrus Torres, Daniel Celzo, JR Dulatre & James Tempra. Put on reserve is Patrick Tchuente and taking his place is the original foreign student athlete Emman Ojuola.  Notable transferees are Ximone Sandagon who came from TIP while coming from the FEU team B is  Bryan Sajonia, Aevin Coquia. Everyone is waiting for the UAAP debut of RJ Abarrientos whose remarkable stint with Gilas showed that he is the next best thing. Chiolo Añonuevo  has come back from the US and is eager to lead the charge one day, Other rookies are Rodel Gravera from UC,  Jason Li from LPU and Patrick Sleat from the FEU  juniors squad.

 

Outlook: 

A lot of teams had a hard time containing the tandem of LJ Gonzales & Royce Alforque, now RJ Abarrientos is about to join them and will most probably run rings around every opponent.  Ojoula is definitely an upgrade from Tchuente that will help improve the tams inside scoring with Sandangon, Celzo and Dularte backing him up. The FEU Airforce guards are fast, can run the break well and can shoot from beyond. Add Xyrus Torres and Añonuevo to the mix then you have a team that can match up with the top teams. Defense has always been Coach Olsen Racela’s trademark and so will these tamaraws. Look for LJ Gonzales to lead the charge and everyone else will follow suit. Lastly, there is always a magic “hugot” for every FEU team and everyone is waiting who that new face will be.

 

Prognosis: 

The Tamaraws had a quiet off-season and what was evident was that they just got what they needed since they already have the talent to succeed.  The Tamaraws will be able to make it to the final four if they play their cards right. FEU is this year’s dark horse since not much is known of them, but they can pull a few surprises specially if they push to make it to the final four.

photos from UAAP Varsity Channel and FEU Page