FEU forward Mac Belo soars for the layup against De La Salle. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Mac Belo and Russel Escoto, who were instrumental in Far Eastern University’s championship run in UAAP Season 78, won’t be returning next season to help the Tamaraws defend the crown.
“Hindi na ako babalik,” said Belo, as the UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player opted to focus on the Gilas cadets program.
Escoto also answered in the affirmative when asked whether he will still a career in the UAAP.
Coach Nash Racela also confirmed the development, saying that the team has been anticipating this scenario ever since the team started its training during the summer.
“Lagi naman naming sinasabi na we’re preparing for the worst,” he said.
“Sir Mark Molina also told us from the start na it’s up to the players if they will return or not. If they do, bonus na lang sa amin, but if not, malaking kawalan sila but we have no choice and we’ll just look at it as an opening of a new chapter for FEU.”
Without Belo and Escoto, the FEU frontline will now bank on Raymar Jose, Nigerian big man Prince Orizu, third-year forward Richard Escoto, and sophomore Ken Holmqvist.
“Aside from Raymar, Prince, and Richard, puro sophomores and rookies na lang yung malalaki namin,” said Racela.
The Tamaraws will also deal with the losses of Mike Tolomia, Roger Pogoy, Achie Inigo, and Alfrancis Tamsi due to graduation this coming season.