Chance for FEU guard to step up after RJ Abarrientos’ exit, says Racela

FILE–FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 84. UAAP PHOTO

Far Eastern University Tamaraws head coach Olsen Racela chose to see the silver lining in star point guard RJ Abarrientos’ departure from the team.

For Racela, Abarrientos’s exit signals the need for FEU guards to step up to the plate.

“Life goes on for us. We just need to give opportunities to other players to step up. It’s their chance to step up,” Racela said after their 82-73 win over San Beda in Group B of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup this Wednesday.

Despite the Gilas cadet foregoing three potential UAAP years, the Tamaraws will still enjoy the services of four potential stars in the 1-2 position.

FEU will continue to be spearheaded by guards Royce Alforque, Cyrus Torres, Bryan Sajonia and L-Jay Gonzales.

Alforque and Sajonia came up big in the team’s most recent win, posting 15 and 16 points, respectively. Torres contributed a silent 11 points.

Gonzales, who was also stashed in the Tamaraws’ previous game against University of the Philippines in the PBA D-League, did not suit up due to colds and coughs, according to Racela.

The head tactician also said he respected Abarrientos’ decision to sign with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).

“We need to move forward and of course, RJ needs to move forward in the next level of his basketball career and we’re all there [supporting him].”

Abarrientos treated the Tamaraws to a team meal last week to formally bid their goodbyes, said Racela.