FEU Tamaraws’ coach Sean Chambers during a UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball game against Adamson Falcons. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Determined to unlock the full potential of the young Far Eastern University Tamaraws, coach Sean Chambers has been consistently preaching to his players the formula that worked for him in his great years in the PBA.
Every game is war.
“I explained to them a little bit about my history, playing against Alvin Patrimonio, playing against Allan Caidic, playing against Ginebra. We didn’t like each other playing, but right now, those are some of my closest friends because they respect how hard you play and how committed you were to your craft,” said Chambers, a longtime import for Alaska Milkmen in the PBA in the 90s.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball
“We need to make something personal against every team. Then after that, we’re going to shake their hands and be gentlemen afterwards. But for two hours, it’s war. That’s how we’re going to approach every game moving forward.”
The Tamaraws certainly showed glimpses of Chambers’ mentality in their thrilling 76-72 victory over Adamson in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
FEU Tamaraws during a UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball game against Adamson Falcons. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Jorick Bautista scored nine of his 21 points in overtime, Mo Konateh dropped 13 points and a season-high 26 rebounds, and Veejay Pre contributed 10 points and seven rebounds in FEU’s comeback win.
“They’re hard workers, they’re committed, they’re amazing, whatever you say, they’ll do. No matter how hard some of the loss has been, we came back the next day ready to practice. And they’ve been very upbeat because of those moments. So you just imagine, as young as we are, how good we’re going to continue to play,” Chambers said.
READ: UAAP: FEU coach Sean Chambers explains his unique playcalling
Despite losing six of their first seven games, the rookie FEU coach is all praises for his team’s character and he believes good things will come of it–whether in the second round or the years to come.
“They’re such humble kids, and they’re such great kids, and I’m very honored to be in this situation. But I just think we’re going to have a great second round. I really do. I’ve been saying that since the beginning,” he added.
Chambers hopes to earn their first winning streak of the season against National University on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“Bawi lang, they’re next. So we’re after everybody,” Chambers said. “Everybody who got a chance to get at us when we were younger, now it’s time for us to turn the table. I believe that. I believe we’re going to be a problem for everybody moving forward.”