Stephen Curry revolutionized the game of basketball with his ability to make the three-point shot his primary weapon, establishing himself as the greatest shooter the world has ever seen.
And so, being compared to him should mean a lot.
Jorick Bautista has earned that distinction, with Far Eastern University head coach Sean Chambers calling him the Tamaraws’ very own Stephen Curry.
The comparison came on the heels of Bautista drilling a clutch stepback triple over Veejay Pre that helped FEU secure a 71-68 victory over the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The graduating guard never lost his confidence despite missing his first four attempts from beyond the arc. He eventually came through with a backbreaking trey that gave the Tamaraws a 70-66 lead with 40.6 seconds remaining.
“Of course, Jorick has just been our Steph Curry,” quipped Chambers of his marksman.
“He comes and bails us out at the right moments at the big time.”
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
The victory meant more than just another win for FEU. It propelled the Tamaraws to solo third place at 7-5 while completing an elimination-round sweep of the Fighting Maroons, who saw their seven-game winning streak come to an end.
For Bautista, taking those gutsy shots despite his struggles was a product of the trust his teammates continued to place in him.
“Ako naman nagpapasalamat ako sa mga teammates ko kasi binigyan pa rin nila ako ng tiwala even though nag-struggle ako sa three-pointers,” said Bautista.
“Sinuklian ko lang ‘yung tiwala na binigay nila sa akin kasi as last year na player saka kuya, ito na ‘yung sagad ko eh, wala na akong babalikan. Gagawin ko na lahat, ibubuhos ko na kung anong kaya kong itulong dito sa team na ito,” he continued.
FEU is now chasing its first Final Four appearance since Season 84, hoping to give Bautista a memorable farewell in his final year.
The Tamaraws, however, could be just getting started. They remain ahead of schedule, with Mo Konateh, Janrey Pasaol, and Jedric Daa still in their third year, while Kirby Mongcopa is only in his second season.
They also boast a promising crop of rookies led by Cabs Cabonilas, Marc Burgos, and Elias Gish.
“You know, in reality, when you think about it, we’re still a very young team. Jorick is our only senior that’s playing,” said Chambers.
“So, we’re just trying to crash the party early for Jorick’s senior year right now. Because he’s been with FEU for 10 years. That’s incredible. I just can’t even imagine that. He’s been living at FEU for 10 years since he was a baby. Now he’s a grandpa.”
