After weeks of struggling to find his rhythm, Adamson University’s AJ Fransman finally broke out of his shell — and he did it in the biggest way possible, leading the Soaring Falcons past one of the hottest teams in the UAAP.
Until their game against University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, nothing seemed to click for Fransman in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
In Adamson’s previous losses to National University, Far Eastern University, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University, the 6-foot-3 forward from San Pedro, Laguna, averaged just 3.25 points per game — far from the expectations set for him after a promising first year.
But against the Growling Tigers, Fransman finally reminded everyone what he’s capable of.
The second-year standout led from the front, dropping 18 points along with two rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 25 minutes of action — all while helping Adamson snap UST’s three-game winning streak.
“For me kasi, you mentioned nga na up-and-down nga ako. Sabi lang sa akin nila Coach Nash at Coach Gilbert (Lao) na subukan ko lang maging consistent,” said the former Enderun Titan when asked about his rollercoaster season.
“After ng maayos na game, try ko naman, at least i-align ko sa last game ko or do better. Yung lagi kong naiisip ay di pwede na ok yung game ko against UE pero sa UST hindi. Yung lang yung hinihingi sa akin ng mga coaches: maging consistent lang.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Defeating a team as confident as UST — which has already beaten Ateneo and La Salle — was no easy feat. Many expected the Tigers to roll past Adamson, but the Soaring Falcons had other plans.
It felt as though Adamson was battling not just UST but also itself. The Soaring Falcons had to overcome their own lapses and doubts before finally pulling away in the second half to secure the 69-59 win.
“Para sa akin, yung team effort namin, first hanggang fourth — hindi kami bumitaw,” said Fransman. “After nung halftime, ni-remind sa amin ni Coach Nash na he’s been coaching for how many years na, so naranasan na niya yung lamang kami first half. Pinaalala lang niya sa amin na doble namin effort namin kasi siyempre babawi UST sa second half.
“Ni-remind lang namin isa’t isa.”
With the first round now in the books, the stakes only get higher from here. Every team will be fighting tooth and nail for a Final Four spot — and for Adamson, consistency from players like Fransman could make all the difference.
For the Soaring Falcons to return to the postseason for the third time under Coach Nash Racela, everyone must embrace their role, whether as a spark off the bench or a steady presence on the floor.
Fransman knows exactly where that starts.
“Magsisimula lahat sa practice,” he said.
“Sinasabi sa akin ni Coach Gilbert (Lao) na dapat daw sa practice pa lang, mag-focus na ako. Di parang sa game pa ako maghihintay para magseryoso. Yun ang laging sinasabi sa akin na sa practice pa lang daw.”
