The wins of the Adamson University Soaring Falcons have come hand in hand with the recovery of last season’s runner-up in the Most Valuable Player race, Papi Sarr.
Sarr, 21, missed Adamson’s opening day assignment against the Ateneo de Manila University due to a groin injury. And the effects are still being felt up to today, as the Cameroonian student-athlete is currently playing a career-low 24.5 minutes.
“Honestly, I feel I’m just 60 percent in practice. I’m not yet myself I feel it,” admitted Sarr, who is in his third and final playing year.
“But coach Franz [Pumaren] is helping me get back my battle shape.”
His progress is starting to show.
During Adamson’s 79-60 win against the University of the East on Sunday afternoon, the 6-foot-6 big man tallied 15 points and 16 rebounds.
Though the majority of his points came in the game’s extended garbage time, Sarr is grateful to Pumaren for giving him the opportunity to get his bearings back in a game setting.
“I lost a lot after my injury but I’m thankful coach Franz gave me time to play,” added Sarr, who is averaging 14.0 points and 12.3 rebounds this conference. “I’m trying to get myself back and I’m lucky that my coach is helping me.
“By the next games or the second round, probably I’m gonna be in battle shape.”
