After securing his first win as a coach in the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball Tournament, Alex Barrera remains grounded, acknowledging that he’s still adjusting to his new role after hanging up his playing jersey.
The 28-year-old former Adamson Falcon, who competed in UAAP Seasons 77 to 79, continues to learn the nuances of coaching from the sidelines.
Following his team’s 85-70 triumph over University of the Philippines Integrated School last Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Barrera reflected on the shift from player to coach.
“Nung player ako, siyempre, may kaunting gaps kasi as a player, ikaw yung nakikinig,” said Barrera.
“Ngayon, ikaw na yung mag-iisip ng ano yung gagawin sa practice, ano yung outcome ng game. Yun nga, sabi nga nila, may pressure ng kaunti. Ang problem is, kailangan mong mag-adjust lang.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Barrera’s coaching career began when he was cut from Adamson’s lineup before the start of Season 80.
Determined to stay connected to basketball and continue his studies, he approached Adamson’s Office for Athletic Development Director Fr. Aldrin Suan to explore the possibility of retaining his scholarship by coaching the school’s high school team.
This marked the beginning of his journey from player to coach.
For Barrera, coaching is not just a job, but a way of giving back to Adamson, the institution that shaped his basketball career.
A Real Estate Management graduate, he credits Mike Fermin – the head coach who led Adamson to the Season 86 boys’ high school championship – for giving him a chance.
Fermin had recruited Barrera from La Salle Green Hills during his playing days, and now Barrera seeks to pass on the knowledge he gained to the younger generation.
Fast forward to 2024, and Barrera finds himself in a high-pressure role as a head coach in the UAAP.
Despite the challenges, he is determined to make the most of the opportunity.
“Sa akin naman, siyempre, di naman tayo tatanggi sa opportunity,” he said. “Proud talaga ako pero siyempre, kailangan naming trabahuin because this is one of the youngest teams. Iba ang high school sa college because yung sa college kasi, pag binigyan mo ng instruction, susunod.
“Kanina nga, kaya ako nagagalit, yung iba hindi pa din ganun kabilis mag-pick up ng details. Talk lang ako ng talk, di ako nagsasawa sa kanila. Minsan maiinis ako pero mawawala din naman.”
Adamson’s win over UPIS was particularly significant, as the Baby Falcons went winless in Season 86, fielding a team made up of physical education students.
The victory was a testament to the progress the team has made under Barrera’s leadership.
However, he remains focused on the future, aiming to build on this success.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Sa akin naman, ang achievement para sa akin sa second round ay dagdagan ang wins ko,” Barrera shared.
“As a proud member of the alumni of Adamson, kailangan kong iangat ng kaunti. Siyempre, kailangan ko rin i-payback yung sumu-support sa akin o tumutulong para maniwala sila na kaya naman ng mga bata eh.”
