Adamson head coach Mike Fermin admitted that Jake Figueroa’s decision to move to National University caught him and the school by surprise.
Figueroa, who was the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player during the UAAP Season 82 Boys’ Basketball tournament, initially committed to remaining in Adamson for his tertiary studies back on February 11.
Six months later, the 19-year-old Kapampangan decided to enroll in National University.
“Surprised,” said Fermin regarding the decision of the 6-foot-3 forward. Fermin was the head coach of Figueroa with the Baby Falcons.
Back on February 11, Figueroa decided to remain in Adamson saying, “Siyempre dun po ako nakilala. Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi po ako makilala. Hindi na po ako nagdalawang isip na mag-transfer pa sa iba.”
When Fermin and some officials of the school decided to pay a visit to Figueroa’s family in Pampanga, his parents asked if they could be given time to process their son’s decision.
“As far as I know, sabi sa amin nung mother nung nagpunta kami sa Pampanga to meet them personally is bigyan sila ulit ng time kasi paguusapan daw ulit nila ng pamilya nila ang desisyon ni Jake and babalitaan na lang ako nung adviser ni Jake na si Ron Tuazon,” recalled Fermin.
“So I don’t really know what transpired while they were thinking about it because we were not involved naman.”
The last time Fermin and his staff were able to talk to Figueroa was back in May to give him updates on the Soaring Falcons’ online training.
However, Figueroa had already decided to go to NU by then. Figueroa gave his farewell to the school last August 18.
Still, Fermin and the rest of Adamson hold no grudges, only wishing Figueroa nothing but the best with the Bulldogs.
“Still, I wish him all the best sa college career niya.”
