After initial doubts, Rhodson Du-ot is beginning to embrace the challenge of taking over as Far Eastern University-DN Steel’s starting setter.
Du-ot inherited the role at the start of the offseason following the departures of Ariel Cacao and Benny Martinez, leaving him with big shoes to fill as he assumed the playmaking responsibilities for a Tamaraws side coming off back-to-back UAAP Finals appearances.
The former UAAP Boys Best Setter admitted that the pressure had initially weighed on him. However, those doubts gradually faded as he gained confidence, grew more comfortable in his new role, and found his rhythm in directing FEU’s offense.
“Siguro nung unang mga games namin sa V-League, may duda pa. Pero nung nakuha ko na ‘yung rhythm ko, wala na,” shared Du-ot.
Now, Du-ot believes he is ready to fully embrace the responsibility. And his growing confidence is translating into stronger performances as he helps steer the Tamaraws’ semifinal push in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
FEU currently holds a 5-2 record in the tournament.
Du-ot tallied 12 excellent sets and four points, helping orchestrate a balanced offensive attack as the Tamaraws swept 3B, 25-15, 25-16, 25-17, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Wednesday.
(C) Spikers Turf
The third-year playmaker credited the FEU coaching staff for helping him settle into the role, pointing to their guidance and continued trust as key factors behind his improved play and newfound composure on the court.
“Sa ngayon siguro, masasabi ko na 100-percent na ‘yung tiwala ko sa sarili ko dahil sa tulong din ng mga coaches sa pag-guide sa’kin, kaya buo ‘yung tiwala ko sa sarili ko,” said the FEU-Diliman product.
His development was also bolstered by the Tamaraws’ stint in the V-League Collegiate Challenge, where Du-ot helped steer FEU to a Finals appearance. The experience provided him with valuable game repetitions and lessons that he has since carried into the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
“Ayun nga, malaking tulong sa’kin, sa’min ‘yung mga offseason na games. Sabi nga ni Coach Ed (Orcullo) kanina, para alam na kami kung nasan na kami banda,” he said.
Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo, for his part, believes Du-ot is ready to shoulder the responsibility. He stressed that the young setter must embrace the challenge as the team prepares for his eventual role in steering FEU’s offense when it returns to UAAP action.
“Ready. Ready na talaga. Kasi whether we like it or not, kailangan talagang mai-ready natin ‘to, ma-set natin ‘yung tone niya. Na talagang ‘yung connection sa bawat isa, kailangan magkaroon ng harmonious relationship dun sa inside and outside the court.”
