The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers were eliminated by the CESAFI Champions, the University of San Carlos Warriors, in the 2015 National Collegiate Championship quarterfinals. Prior to the match-up, the UST Growling Tigers had not practiced since the UAAP Finals due to the final examinations of the university and the seniors retreat for the graduating players.
Playing in his final game for UST, Ferrer was emotional. “Sobrang lungkot na masaya rin. Sobrang ganda ng season namin pero hanggang dun lang talaga. Masaya na ako sa mga nangyari,” Ferrer reflected. The UST senior disclosed that he gave his underclassmen a pep talk after the game. “Nag-usap lang kami sa locker room. Binigyan namin ng advice yung mga bata at kinausap namin sila na tulad namin, ipaglaban nila yung UST.”
“Nung unang pagpasok namin, wala naman nakakakilala sa amin. Napatunayan namin na kaya naming makapunta hanggang dulo kahit kulang-kulang kami.”
As one door closed, another door opened for the 6’4 gunslinger. Ferrer, together with FEU’s Smart Elite ambassador Mac Belo, were invited by Far Eastern University assistant coach Josh Reyes to train with the Men’s National Basketball Team. “Tinext lang ako ni Coach Josh (Reyes) na mag-practice dun,” he said. “Group text kasi yung sinend sa amin. Iniimbitahan kami ni Mac (Belo) na magtraining kasama yung Gilas.”
“Sobrang saya at laking opportunity na makapasok doon. Target ko siyempre mapasok sa line-up pero alam ko naman mahirap yun.”
The chance to be reunited with Coach Tab Baldwin was an opportunity Ferrer could not miss. As Ferrer told Tiebreaker Times during the UAAP season, he credits Baldwin for the discipline and leadership he showed throughout the season. “Masaya kasi sobrang disciplinarian siya kasi na coach. Dun ako sa kanya natuto. Lahat ng naipakita ko sa UAAP sa kanya ko natutunan,” he shared.
Ferrer vowed to train every Monday at the Meralco Gym to not only have a crack at the coveted roster spot but also for his personal growth. “Oo siyempre itutuloy-tuloy ko yun every Monday. Sayang pag hindi e. Pang-tune up ko na rin yun,” he said. “Lahat naman sobrang gutom na makasali sa National Team. Ilang milyon tayo dito sa Pilipinas ang gusto makapasok dun. I’ll do my best para ma-line up.”
