Back in UAAP Season 84, many have their eyes on Far Eastern University rookie Cholo Anonuevo – a high flyer who can do most things on the court.
But disaster struck as after playing just his debut in the collegiate level against University of Santo Tomas on March 26, 2022, where he tallied four points, three rebounds, and a steal.
This as he was sidelined the rest of the season due to a mid-right foot injury that forced him to walk using a walker.
And on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the 6-foot-4 forward played his first game after the injury and contributing nine points on 3-of-6 shooting from the field with four rebounds, an assist, and a steal in over 26 minutes of floor time.
Earning those lengthy minutes was not something given for free by the Tamaraws’ coaching staff.
“Si Cholo grabe ‘yung pinagdaanan niya and I know ‘yung heart niya talagang it speaks of the game naman nakikita niyo ‘yung effort, ‘yung hustle niya,” said FEU assistant coach Eric Gonzales, who had to do interview duties as head tactician Olsen Racela quickly left after their 79-70 loss to Ateneo to reach the on-going Ginebra game.
Even though modest were the numbers of Anonuevo, this is just the start for the highly-touted prospect from Morayta.
And teammate Patrick Sleat, who had 17 points in the defeat, was the first to warn people of what is to come.
“I think he did good but I think he can do better next game. Watch out na lang kayo,” said Sleat on Anonuevo, who trained with East West Private in the United States for a year before going to college.
“Marami pang element of surprise na darating dahil maganda ang character niya,” added Gonzales.
Anonuevo and the rest of the Tamaraws will head on to their next battle on Wednesday, 11 am, against University of the East at PhilSports Arena.
Write to Justin Valencia
