There is no question that Alvin Pasaol is one of the UAAP’s star names. But there hasn’t been much conversation about where he will stand in the echelons of the league’s history once he leaves for the pros.
Until now.
Up against the Final Four-bound Adamson University Soaring Falcons, the King Warrior had another impressive outing with 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead all scorers in what became the University of the East Red Warriors’ 12th loss this season.
Those numbers mean that, after 13 games, the Davaoeno has averaged 24.69 markers alongside 10 boards this year.
For context, Pasaol has already eclipsed former Far Eastern University Tamaraw Terrence Romeo, who racked up 22.2 points per game back in Season 76, and is behind Ben Mbala’s 24.9 in Season 80.
“Na-surprise din ako na malalampasan ko si Terrence pero credit din sa teammates ko na sobrang tiwala nila sa akin na kaya kong umiskor (at sa) both ends na gagawin ko (ang lahat) sa depensa, opensa.”
Pasaol is virtually the Red Warriors’ only silver lining in another painful campaign. UE’s exile from the Final Four has been extended for a ninth consecutive season, and it may harm his chances for an individual award come the end of the tournament.
But the UAAP Season 80 Mythical Five awardee does not mind one bit.
“Sa akin naman, wala naman kung dadating yung Mythical team sa akin.
“Wala naman yun eh. Gusto ko lang makita teammates ko na masaya sila kasama akong maglaro. Sharing the ball nila sa akin, sobrang saya ko din na binibigay nila yung bola sa akin,” said the 23-year-old cager.
Truth be told, the Red Warriors’ latest defeat summed up their season. UE mustered a 20-3 lead, only to let Adamson back in the game with an 18-0 run. There were spurts of brilliance from Pasaol and the rest of his team, but not enough to compete and, eventually, seal the win.
“Out of the picture nga kami. Wala lang. Sobrang lang saya namin na magkakasama kami,” shared Pasaol.
“Baka siguro next year hindi na kami magkakasama pero ine-enjoy na lang namin ang samahan namin as a family.”
The 6-foot-3 forward has yet to commit to the Red Warriors next season, with application to the upcoming PBA Draft a possibility. Since nothing is set in stone, he just wants to hear UE’s hymm played first when they end their season against National University, in what could be his last outing in the UAAP.
“Sobrang kumpyansa din namin kasi kahit na eliminated na kami pero nasa isip namin na kaya pa rin namin. Push namin yung sarili namin na manalo pa rin kami (on) our last game para memorable din naman manalo kami.”
