INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University’s Mark Barroca lightning-quick drives to the basket was a by-product of his younger years as a track and field star.

Barocca, a star player for the Tamaraws and one of the most promising college ball players today, won medals at the Palarong Pambansa during his elementary and high school days at University de Zamboanga.

It was around 2006 when he was referred to FEU former coach Robert Flores who was then searching for a new point guard to take the place of Jonas Villanueva, who now plays for San Miguel in the PBA.

Now in his junior year at FEU, Barroca wants to bring the glory days for the Tamaraws, who last won in 2005 bannered by then star forward Arwind Santos.

Joining him in donning the yellow and green colors next season is fellow Smart Gilas national team mainstay JR Cawaling and rookie Ryan Garcia, also a prized find from Zamboanga who was declared MVP in the recent FilOil pre-season tournament

The Tamaraws won the FilOil title over defending champs University of the East thereby installing themselves as strong contenders when UAAP season 72 begins next month. Incidentally, FEU is the host team next season.

Being considered a star player is something to be proud of, but Barroca treats it as a big challenge.

“There’s pressure when you’re being considered as one because people will always have expectations on you every game, especially, helping the team win,” said Barroca, who singled out Laker Kobe Bryant as his idol.

“He (Bryant) is the perfect example of a hard working player and I like his composure,” Barroca said.

Barroca is also hoping to be able to finish his three-year sting with the Smart Gilas national squad along with Cawaling. Both saw action in the recent Fiba-Asia Champions Cup.

The Smart Gilas squad lost to Iran in the eliminations and Qatar in the crucial quarterfinal round but Barocca impressed scouts with his performance, slashing and scoring against bigger players.

Barocca also dreams of forging a basketball career in the PBA but for now, he remains focused on clinching another title for FEU.