For two consecutive seasons, the pain has run deep for Far Eastern University-Diliman.
Back-to-back third-place finishes in Seasons 86 and 87 left the Baby Tamaraws always knocking on the door — yet never quite breaking through.
Now, in the UAAP Season 88 Boys’ Basketball Tournament, FEU-D is showing a renewed determination to finally exorcise the ghosts of the past.
The Baby Tamaraws took a major step forward on Saturday, surviving defending champions UST Tiger Cubs, 84-81, to secure a playoff for a Final Four berth in Season 88.
At the heart of that triumph was 17-year-old guard JB Cagurungan, who led the team with 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting, alongside four rebounds and three steals.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Cagurungan is chasing redemption, not just for himself, but for the seniors who once carried the program to the top.
The Solana, Cagayan Valley native feels motivated to give Marc Burgos and MVP frontrunner Cabs Cabonilas — the pillars of FEU-D’s Season 85 championship squad — the sendoff they deserve before they embark on their respective collegiate basketball careers.
“Siyempre, Kuya ko nga sila and nakakasama ko sila for four years now. Gagawin ko lahat para makuha namin yung hinahangad namin — which is yung championship — para may proper send-off,” Cagurungan said.
Beyond that, the 6-foot-1 guard draws inspiration from Burgos and Cabonilas, who constantly push him to grow both on and off the court.
That drive is already translating on the hardwood. Cagurungan has emerged as a reliable complement to both seniors, averaging 8.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.6 steals across 10 games.
With FEU-D now one step closer to closing the chapter on past heartbreaks, Cagurungan vowed to keep drawing from his Kuya figures to maintain consistency — especially with the Final Four looming.
“I am grateful to have them kasi pinupush nila ako to become better kahit pa sabihin na may challenges this season, nandiyan naman sila to guide me every day,” Cagurungan shared.
“Game by game, sabi ko nga dati, I trust my coaches and my teammates for my game plan. I just play my best, I just show up every day, and I hope to remain consistent.”
