Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Raymar Jose didn’t expect to be Far Eastern University’s team captain, but as it turned out, he’s just the man the Tamaraws needed.
“He was surprised that he was appointed by his teammates to be our captain,” shared FEU head coach Nash Racela.
Losing six of its key components from last season’s championship run, it was easy for FEU to fold up and relinquish its title without much of a fight.
But not for the 24-year-old Jose though, who took the baton from his graduating teammates and was the lynchpin for FEU’s Final Four run.
The Tamaraws may have been dethroned after losing in heartbreaking fashion to Ateneo, 69-68 in Game 2 of their semifinals series, but they didn’t go down without a fight.
And the man who kept the motor running? No less than Jose, who gave it his all and averaged 16.0 points and 17.5 rebounds through the two games, showing that he’s not just the Tamaraws’ resident garbageman, he can also be their undisputed leader.
“I think he was having a hard time adjusting, but if you base it on how we ended the season, Raymar has leadership and I hope he brings it over wherever he goes,” Racela said.
As painful as FEU’s exit was, Jose said that he can take solace knowing that the Morayta crew gave it their all.
“I know we fought as a team. We just fell short,” he said.
To be exact, a rebound short from preventing the Isaac Go putback which pushed Ateneo to the driver’s seat, and a second short from having Ron Dennison’s desperation basket from being counted.
With the way the two teams fought, Jose said both squads were deserving to meet La Salle for the championship. It’s just this time, FEU ran out of heroics as Ateneo advanced to the big dance.
“Both teams were worthy to make it to the Finals. Maybe this time, it was really for them,” he said.
His collegiate career may have come to an end, but Jose wants nothing more than to further improve his game to at least get on the same level as Mac Belo, his former FEU teammate and someone who he regards as his idol.
“My basketball career doesn’t end here. I hope I can still improve,” he said as he shifts his focus on possibly playing in the PBA D-League. “I’ve heard the comparisons, but Mac is different. He’s really the best leader out there and I’ve learned so much from him, especially hard work. That’s something I know I will bring wherever I’ll go.”