The young Adamson Soaring Falcons have been in the limelight ever since Franz Pumaren took charge. Currently in contention for the title, the young Falcons are in a place they have never been before since coach Leo Austria left San Marcelino.
Leading the way for the Falcons is rookie Jerrick Ahanmisi with norms of 17.3 points per game, knocking down 2.5 triples per contest.
Sunday afternoon, Ahanmisi, whose potential can reach the heights of Renren Ritualo according to Pumaren, dropped 27 points against the league-leading De La Salle University Green Archers. However, Adamson’s gallant stand was not enough to blemish the Green Archers’ slate.
The mood in the Adamson locker room was not somber at all after having absorbed their fourth defeat, according to the Filipino-American sharpshooter.
“He just told us that we were so close to beating them that if we didn’t make those little mistakes at the end, we would’ve pulled through,” the 18-year-old shared.
“He’s still supporting us and telling us that we’re able to beat them and eventually, if we play them again, we’ll be able to beat them.”
He then credited his teammates for his second-best outing this season.
“I was just getting those shots from my teammates,” he said. “They were getting me open and I was hitting all the shots that I could possibly hit.”
“I’m pretty confident. I’ve been working hard to try to polish my game. I also try to improve and adjust during the game. I’m just a pretty confident person.”
And the facet of his game that he looks to improve on is his defensive prowess. Standing at 6’0″, Ahanmisi has the height to lock down opposing guards, but with his current frame, he has struggled against screens.
It was evident last Sunday. With 46 ticks remaining and La Salle up by just two points, Ahanmisi was blocked off two screens that led to a wide-open Kib Montalbo three that sealed the game.
“I think I’ve had difficulty with my one-on-one defense and boxing out,” he remarked. “I believe that I need to work on my defense more and help my teammates get rebounds.”
“I’ve gotten pretty used to it now. At first, it was a little bit hard to adjust to. Now, I think I’ve gotten used to it.”
And entering the homestretch of the season, Ahanmisi and the young Falcons need to mature fast. And he has vowed to take on that challenge head on.
“It just makes us more motivated to get that spot and get to where we believe we can get.”
