From L-R: Carl Cruz, Mac Belo, Roger Pogoy, Mike Tolomia, Russell Escoto. Photos by PBA IMAGES/INQUIRER.net
If there’s one guy who isn’t surprised with the way PBA rookies from Far Eastern University are performing, it’s certainly coach Nash Racela.
“I’m happy for all the FEU players. They’re all playing really well and representing the FEU program,” he said.
Seven former Tamaraws were picked in the recent Rookie Draft, and they didn’t waste any time making an impact for their respective teams.
Mac Belo headlines the list, averaging 21.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in leading Blackwater to a historic 2-0 start. He was also named the first PBA Press Corp Player of the Week for the season.
Roger Pogoy also did his damage for TNT, posting 12.0 markers and 3.0 boards through two games.
Mike Tolomia also had a rousing start for Rain or Shine, firing 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists while Alaska’s Carl Bryan Cruz had 20 markers and 14 boards in his first game.
Racela feels that these standout performances is a reflection of the quality of FEU’s basketball program.
“I’m happy to see that they’re playing just like college players. Normally when you’re a rookie, you always hesitate when you start your career. But when you watch all of them, it’s nothing. How they played in college, how they played in the D-League, it’s the same which is really good because they’re making an impact,” he said.
Racela is proud with how far his former players have gone, saying that as much as the players have helped FEU, they have also helped themselves to get where they are today.
“It worked both ways. FEU helped them and they helped FEU,” he said. “The important thing right now is they’re reaping the benefits of their hardwork.”