There’s no denying that Far Eastern University has produced some of the finest guards in Philippine basketball.
Tamaraws head coach Olsen Racela is very aware of that fact. And he also knows that Tamaraw squads, from generation to generation, have always featured good guards. The legendary list includes the likes of Johnny Abarrientos, Denok Miranda, Mark Barroca, RR Garcia, Terrence Romeo, and Mike Tolomia, among others.
“Tradition naman sa FEU yun na guard-heavy ang FEU. We rely on our guards. This season is no different,” he said.
That tradition has continued this UAAP Season 82. In the Tamaraws’ 81-65 win over the UE Red Warriors on Sunday, gunslinging guard Wendell Comboy led the attack with 24 points.
Comboy is now one of FEU’s veteran guards, and one of the only three remnants of the last Tamaraws squad that won the UAAP championship back in Season 78 about four years ago.
For the third-year FEU bench strategist, they are relying as much as they can on their old-timers.
“Si Wendell, he’s one of the veterans of the team… Konti lang yung beterano ngayon, so kailangan talaga we have to rely on our veterans — especially on our graduating players,” Racela said.
This season is Comboy’s last ride wearing the green-and-gold. And while his leadership will be missed when he leaves, the tradition of FEU and guards will still continue.
After Comboy, guards such as Alec Stockton and L-Jay Gonzales will be expected to carry the load for the Tams.
“We have young guards. If you noticed, ang rotation namin, isang second year at tsaka isang first year. Third point guard namin is also a rookie this year. We’re relying on our young core,” said Racela, one of the best guards the PBA had seen.
“Yun ang thrust namin. We’re investing on our young core.”
