FEU rookie Janrey Pasaol shares a moment with his older brother Alvin after the Tamaraws’ overtime win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Far Eastern University guard Janrey Pasaol doesn’t have to look far for guidance in his rookie year in the UAAP.
His older brother Alvin was a former standout at University of the East where he played for three seasons. Alvin didn’t achieve much team success but he was a star in his own right with a pair of Mythical Team selections.
“Bata pa lang ako pumasok na ko ng UAAP lagi niya akong pinapayuhan na sige bawi ka lang, ine-encourage kumbaga bonding sa bahay niya,” the younger Pasaol told Inquirer Sports on Sunday night.
READ: UAAP: Jorick Bautista overcomes struggles to lead first FEU win
That’s why amid the Tamaraws’ struggles that had led to a 0-5 start, Janrey was never disheartened not even when he missed three last-second free throws that could’ve won them the game against National University last September 14.
Taking his brother’s advice to heart, Janrey finally had his moment as he played a vital role in helping FEU break through following a 66-65 overtime win over Ateneo where he collected 10 points, eight rebounds and two steals.
FEU’s Janrey Pasaol.-MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Janrey added that Alvin also motivates and challenges him to become a better player.
“Sabi niya nga sa akin kapag nagbo-bonding kami i-beat ko daw muna yung record niya. Ang hirap nun 49 points. Gusto ko lang sundan kung anong nagawa ni Kuya sa UAAP. Kung kaya ko higitan, hihigatan ko,” said Janrey.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball
Another thing Janrey wants to emulate from Alvin, who now plays for the Meralco Bolts in the PBA, is his demeanor.
“Siguro yung sobrang masayahin na player. Happy-go-lucky nakakatulong sa team namin lalo na kapag down yung team namin kailangan namin ng magpapasaya, magchi-cheer up ng team,” said Janrey, who brought his funny side in the post-game interview.
Alvin was a prolific scorer and a physical force during his time in the UAAP. Janrey said the physicality in the UAAP surprised him in his collegiate debut but he’s learned to adapt to the level of play with the first round coming to a close thanks to his coaches, teammates and brother.
READ: UAAP: FEU outlasts Ateneo in OT for its first win
“Sa akin hindi ko ramdam nung high school kasi dito ko lang naramdaman yung pressure first game ko sa Adamson ganun yung physicality ng laro ng college, hindi yung katulad nung galing kami nung high school lalo na nung preseason na maganda pinapakita namin, nagulat lang ako. Pero ngayon naa-adapt ko naman na yung laro ng UAAP,” Janrey said.
With a first victory under their belts, Janrey and the rookie-laden Tamaraws are eager to continue to go through the growing pains needed as part of their progress.
“Kami naman ni Veejay tsaka Jed pinaguusapan namin lalo na nung past few games na di pa kami nagpapanalo nag-e-encourage kaming mga rookies na kaya namin lalo na si Kuya Royce [Alforque] at Kuya Cholo [Añonuevo] binubuo nila kami di nya kami pinapabayaan magwatak watak sa team,” he said.