Kevin Ferrer of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers has been a man on a mission in his UAAP swan song. As the Tiger’s team captain and go-to guy, his inspired play has successfully given the team the confidence and the ingredients needed to make them play as a cohesive unit.
His valiant efforts ultimately paid off as UST will make their first trip to the Finals since 2013. Awaiting them will be the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
“Sobrang saya, ito ang pangarap namin: makabalik sa Finals,” Ferrer told Tiebreaker Times. “Gusto naming makuha ang korona. Hindi naman madaling makuha iyon so kailangan namin magwork hard.”
Ferrer is no stranger to championship battles. During his second and third years in the league, UST made it to the championship round but fell short against Ateneo and La Salle respectively. Now, with one last shot at nailing a title that has eluded the España school for nine years, Ferrer aims to use those painful setbacks as added motivation.
“Sobrang motivated ako doon [sa mga talo namin against Ateneo and La Salle],” Ferrer shared. “Iyon ang challenge sa akin na kapag dumating ang opportunity na ito hindi na namin pakakawalan.”
Moreover, Ferrer is now equipped with the necessary tools to be effective in a championship series. Having been part of the earlier UST teams that featured the likes of steady veterans Jeric Teng, Jeric Fortuna, Aljon Mariano and Clark Bautista, all the things he had learned from them will surely be a big factor.
“Sobra [big thing noong experiences gained from them],” Ferrer added. “Kasi doon ko natutunan na every second ng game importante.”
Now, with a huge battle ahead, Ferrer vows to give it his all to bring back the crown to UST.
Sobrang gigil kami kasi last year na namin and gaawin namin ang best namin at maglalaro kami ng buong pamilya,” Ferrer confidently closed. “Ako lang, di pa tapos, kailangan ko talagang kunin ang championship.”
The opening game in the UST-FEU championship bout will be this coming Wednesday, 3:30 pm, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
