As per usual, Jerom Lastimosa shone anew for Adamson University.
Lastimosa provided additional scoring punch for the Soaring Falcons producing 15 points on 55-percent shooting while also adding two rebounds, three assists, and a steal, helping his side to an 85-69 win over Mapua University on Sunday in the 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup.
It was no secret that the 5-foot-10 guard is one of the top players in the collegiate scene. And just like everyone else, Lastimosa is dreaming big for himself.
“Yes. Lahat naman siguro sa mga player may goal na maging professional basketball player, so ganun din ako, yun din yung goal ko,” Lastimosa said.
“Kung mas may mahigit pa sa PBA dun din ako.”
Just like his UAAP peers, Lastimosa revealed to Tiebreaker Times that he received interest to play overseas — particularly clubs from the Korean Basketball League.
But unlike the likes of SJ Belangel and RJ Abarrientos, the 24-year-old native of Dumaguete opted to take a different path.
“Sa Korea meron, pero focus muna ako sa Adamson.
“Main goal ko ngayon is makapag-abot kami sa championship and same lang as a team din. Ganun din yung goal nila. Goal ko din ngayon is sana mabuo yung chemistry namin dito pa lang para pag dating ng season namin sa October prepared na kami sa UAAP,” he added.
Even though he chose to pursue the more traditional path, Lastimosa is certain that he is capable of making it internationally.
After all, he was part of the UAAP’s upper echelon during the Season 84 tournament, averaging 14.71 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 14 games played.
“Happy ako kasi nakasabay ko sila dati makalaro sa college, which is the UAAP,” Lastimosa said, talking about Abarrientos and Belangel.
“I’m sure pag nag-trabaho din ako nung tinatrabaho nila, for sure mapunta din ako dun.”
The Soaring Falcons finished fifth last season — just one game shy of making it to the Final Four.
And with two years in his ledger, he vows that he will do everything in his power to lead Adamson to the promised land.
“May natira pa naman akong dalawang season. So siguro tutuloy ko ‘to, kasi yun nga mahal ko yung Adamson,” he said.
“Hindi ko basta-bastang maiiwan sila, and gusto ko din mag-champion bago umalis.”
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The entire 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup will stream LIVE on Smart Sports Facebook page
