The contrast in their results was clear, yet Adamson University forward AJ Fransman still left with a smile after his younger sibling, Aurelio, stole the spotlight in the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The elder Fransman beamed with pride, knowing his younger brother finally had a breakout performance in his young UAAP career.
Aurelio tallied 15 points, three steals, and two assists, leading the Baby Falcons to a narrow 72-68 victory over a slumping Ateneo Blue Eagles side.
Aurelio broke a 59-all tie with back-to-back three-pointers, putting Ateneo in a six-point deficit, 65-59, with 4:49 remaining.
His clutch shooting ignited a late Adamson rally, giving the team a seven-point cushion with under two minutes left, allowing them to hold on.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Always ako super proud sa kanya kasi I know medyo na-prepressure siya kasi kuya niya ako and may gusto siyang patunayan din. So sabi ko lang sa kanya na darating din naman yung day niya, may sarili kang talent,” AJ told Tiebreaker Times after the Soaring Falcons’ 59-70 loss to the UP Fighting Maroons later that same day.
“Sa totoo lang, magaling yung kapatid ko, mas magaling pa nga sa akin ‘eh.
“Natuwa rin ako kasi actually kinausap ako ni Coach Mike [Fermin], sabi niya sa akin, hindi niya dapat ipapasok si Aurelio kasi nagtatapon daw nung first half. Natuwa ako sa naging reaction niya kung paano niya inabsorb ‘yon and kung paano siya nag-react sa pagkakamali niya,” the former Enderun Titan continued.
Even before the San Pedro, Laguna-raised Fransman brothers joined Adamson in San Marcelino, AJ knew he had to show tough love to prepare Aurelio for the deep talent pool in the UAAP.
Aurelio had to face the likes of MVP frontrunner Zane Kallos, versatile bruiser YJ Lacsamana, and second-generation Blue Eagles talents like Sky Jazul and Q Molina to help the Baby Falcons secure their second win in nine games.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Nung nasa San Pedro pa kami, wala pa siya sa Adamson, prinepare ko na talaga siya kasi sabi ko nga sa kanya na maraming magagaling na mga bata.
“Mag-extra work lang siya, gawin lang niya yung mga gusto niya. Kasi pag nag-prepare siya, doon siya magiging confident sa game niya. Natuwa lang talaga ako sa nangyari na nag-player of the game pa siya,” the 23-year-old forward shared.
Aurelio may not have fully understood the tough love AJ gave him at first, but looking back, he recognizes he wouldn’t be the player he is today without his brother’s guidance and encouragement.
While AJ has been a steady presence for the Soaring Falcons, the 15-year-old guard has made the most of his playing time. He currently averages 4.88 points, 1.75 rebounds, 1.25 assists, and 0.88 steals.
“Sipag lang at disiplina lang daw. Kahit medyo kinakabahan ako dito sa UAAP, basta i-daan ko lang daw sa sipag at disiplina yung laro ko tapos lalabas din daw siya eventually kasi nandoon naman na raw yung talent ko,” the younger Fransman shared.
