When Far Eastern University faced UAAP rival De La Salle University in its first outing in the 15th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, the absence of RJ Abarrientos was felt big time by the Tamaraws.
For one, the talented guard has produced an average of 13. 8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.53 assists, and 1.13 steals when he led the Morayta-based squad to yet another Final Four appearance last season.
Nonetheless, FEU knew it is time to move forward as their prized standout will no longer don the Green and Gold. And at the forefront of that charge is the other half of the lethal backcourt in L-Jay Gonzales.
Gonzales, who was Abarrientos’ teammate since their days in FEU-Diliman, admitted mixed emotions on the latter’s decision to go pro in Korea and sign with Ulsan Hyundai.
“Syempre, para sa kin, happy ako kasi yun yung gusto niya. Yun yung naging desisyon niya sa buhay,” said the 23-year-old native of San Mateo, Isabela.
“Pero malungkot din kasi kailangan namin siya sa team — hindi lang sa team, kundi sa buhay na rin namin.”
With such numbers that were lost on Abarrientos’ departure, for Gonzales, the Tamaraws needed to step up and take the cudgels not only inside but also outside the court.
“Kaming dalawa (ni RJ), hindi lang kami, yung team rin, matagal naming nakasama si RJ since high school. Marami kaming pinagdaan — nag-champion kami hanggang sa umakyat kami sa college. Yung bonding namin andon eh, hindi na mawawala. Kumbaga, part siya ng buhay ko,” said the incoming third-year Tamaraw.
“Natutunan ko sa kanya is yung pagiging leader sa loob ng court. Hindi lang sa loob ng court, kundi tinuturo niya rin yung bagay na dapat itama.”
Now, FEU needed a fresh start and, for Gonzales, it is a matter of the team doing their job on the court as what Abarrientos had done for the squad.
“Isa sa dapat naming gawin is yung effort sa loob ng court, yung defense namin, yung samahan ‘pag dating sa game.”
—
The entire 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup will stream LIVE on Smart Sports Facebook page
