It was a double celebration for Far Eastern University on Sunday.
Not only did the Baby Tamaraws make history as the first-ever UAAP High School Boys’ 3×3 Basketball champions, the Tamaraws were also able to secure their future.
Moments after FEU-D defeated modern-day rival National University Nazareth School, the core of the two-sport champion team made their commitment to new Tamaraws head coach Denok Miranda.
Yes, the future will look bright for FEU.
“Of course, we are very happy in FEU because what we flaunt as a program is student and player development. ‘Yan yung pangako namin sa magulang nila na papagalingin namin sila not just as athletes but also as students,” said Miranda, who spent 14 years as a pro.
JR Pasaol was the first to commit to FEU last month.
Following suit is his batchmate Luke Felipe, a 6-foot-4 winger who averaged 12.24 points on 35-percent shooting from deep, 3.65 rebounds, and 1.29 steals in UAAP Season 85.
Despite having one more year in FEU-D, the trio of Veejay Pre, Jedric Daa, and, of course, Denok’s son Dwyne have also committed to join the Tamaraws program once they graduate.
Pre, a 6-foot-5 native of Pampanga, was the rock for the Baby Tamaraws in Season 85, putting up numbers of 10.29 points, 7.47 rebounds, and 1.76 assists per contest.
Daa, the 6-foot-2 son of ex-pro Dennis, averaged 7.44 points and 5.89 rebounds last season.
Meanwhile, Dwyne is a do-it-all 5-foot-11 guard who normed 8.89 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals during FEU-D’s championship run.
Finally, Grade 10 big man Kirby Mongcopa also pledged his allegiance to Miranda.
Mongcopa, who stands at 6-foot-4 and growing, was the revelation for the Baby Tamaraws, averaging 12.39 points, 10.17 rebounds, 3.06 assists, 2.17 steals, and 1.5 blocks in his rookie year in the UAAP.
Grateful is Miranda to have them waiting on the wings as they will easily assimilate to his system once they hit college. Miranda and Albano implement the same system, according to the FEU great.
“Same system, same coaches. Malaking bagay sa amin sila dahil iisa lang ang tinatakbo ng aming sistema,” he said.
“Confident ako na makaka-adjust sila kagad sa seniors level.”
