UAAP Season 78 Preview: FEU Tamaraws hungrier after last season’s loss

Head Coach: Nash Racela
Last season: 10-4 (Runner-up)
Key losses: Carl Bryan Cruz
Key returnees: Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia, Achie Inigo
Key additions: Prince Orizu

After coming so close to a championship last season, Far Eastern University is gunning for no less than the championship.

Last year’s failed campaign serves as the Tamaraws motivation for this UAAP season 78, especially for the graduating players who only have one final shot at glory.

“We’re more motivated this year,” said FEU’s star forward Mac Belo. “Talagang pinaghandaan namin yung season kasi karamihan sa amin last season na, so ito na yung last chance.”

(We really prepared for this season because most of us, it’s our last season and our last chance.)

Mike Tolomia, who is expected to carry the cudgels for the Tamaraws anew this year, also wants to end his career in the UAAP with a title.

“Gusto ko talaga mag-champion. Yun ang dahilan kung bakit nag-stay ako, yung championship.”

(I really want to be a champion. That’s the reason why I stayed, the championship.)

While the Tamaraws want to surpass last season’s bridesmaid finish, head coach Nash Racela is focused on day-to-day improvements for the team.

“The goal every season is to better the previous performance. Even if we break it down to a per month or daily basis, we have to improve by the day,” he said.

Welcoming seven rookies to their fold, the Tamaraws are getting a big boost with the entry of big man Prince Orizu.

Veterans Belo and Tolomia, as well as returnees Achie Iñigo, Russell Escoto, and Raymar Jose are still expected to step up, but Racela wants others to get the confidence to also make an impact.

“We have players whom we are confident to rely on, but the objective right now is to longer the rotation and help us,” he said.

“It has always been shared responsibility. We’re not looking at Mac alone, or we’re looking at six graduating players this year and we expect them to lead the team. Even for the newer ones, I give them responsibility to lead.”

Racela expects no let-ups from his Tamaraws if they don’t want a repeat of last year’s heartache.

“They have always been hungry. I think that’s good enough motivation for the team,” he said. “We will be resilient. Whatever the situation will be, we’ll keep on fighting.”