Kevin Ferrer has been one of the most notorious student-athletes in his first four years in the UAAP.
So much so that fans from opposing schools would cringe whenever the former UAAP Juniors Most Valuable Player stuck his tongue out at defenses, trash talked the opposing player, or attempted an ill-advised shot. He was seen as cocky and carefree, and it was thought that his unnecessary antics were a hindrance to his untapped potential.
But this 78th season of the UAAP, Kevin Ferrer has taken his game to another level, displaying the uncanny poise, maturity, and leadership that fans have been waiting for. On and off the court, Ferrer has taken the mantle of āKing Tigerā to heart, exemplifying what a leader should be: disciplined, mature, and vocal.
When told of these observations, Ferrer admitted he knew about the criticisms of his antics. Over the summer, he had vowed to remove these bad habits for the ultimate goal of winning a UAAP championship. āPagiging mature. Kasi last year ko na ito,ā the Smart Elite ambassador said about the changers he made. āKelangan ko ng baguhin yung mga unnecessary movements sa lahat ng ginagawa ko. Kung ano lang yung goal, yun lang ang gagawin ko.ā
On the sidelines, Ferrer can also be seen leading player huddles and being the calming force when things get heated for the teamās coaching staff. According to him, the lessons and stories he exchanged with Sinag members, including Ateneoās Kiefer Ravena, FEUās Mac Belo, Perpetualās Scottie Thompson, Arellanoās Jio Jalalon, and others, during the summer helped him realize the responsibilities and importance of being a leader. āKasi yung pagiging leader nila, and also being one of the leaders and veterans ng Sinag, naging malaking tulong sa amin. The lessons kasi that we shared with each other, dinidibdib ko,ā he reflected about the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Moreover, getting the opportunity to be mentored by Menās National Basketball team head coach Tab Baldwin left a lasting impression on the 6ā4 wingman. āSi coach Tab [Baldwin] kasi details by details siya. Yung mali kong ginagawa, lagi niya pinupuna,ā he said. He then quipped that he was the favorite of Baldwin for the wrong reasons,āFavorite niya kasi ako noon, kasi puro unnecessary yung ginagawa ko. Lagi niya kino-correct. Tinatama ko siya noon lagi sa ensayo, hanggang sa ginagawa ko na araw-araw and inaapply ko na rin sa teammates ko.ā
Currently, Ferrer is second in the statistical race for the Most Valuable Player crown behind fellow Smart Elite ambassador Kiefer Ravena, with a tally of 68.28 statistical points. Moreover, he, together with fellow seniors Ed Daquioag and Karim Abdul, have led the team to the top of the standings with a 7-1 slate. For him though, they should never be satisfied and should always be hungry to do more. āLagi ko sinasabi sa family namin na kung ano meron kami, hindi dapat kami makontento doon. Kelangan pa namin iangat yung sarili namin kasi pag masatisfy kami sa performance namin ngayon, babagsak kami,ā he closed.
Truly, Smart Elite ambassador Kevin Ferrer has proved that discpline combined with hard work and talent always leads to better things.