For the first time in a long time, Adamson University is reaping the rewards of its Jrs. program.
Last season, the Soaring Falcons counted a couple of players coming from their high school in AP Manlapaz and Joem Sabandal.
Add Team B players Lorenz Capulong and Doria twins Adam and Andrey and San Marcelino's Srs. squad is well-stocked with former Baby Falcons.
Unfortunately, that did not necessarily translate in the standings as Adamson fell short of the Final Four for the first time under coach Franz Pumaren. "Well, that's the problem din when you start winning. You start spoiling everybody, the community, the fans," he mused to fellow coaches Charles Tiu, Paolo Layug, and Anton Altamirano in his appearance on Coaches Unfiltered.
Nonetheless, the multi-titled mentor is certain that after getting their feet wet, the young Soaring Falcons are raring and ready to take the leap come next season. "Last year was difficult for us precisely because we have a very young team. No experience at all, but of course, you can see the flashes of brilliance of the younger guys," he shared.
He then continued, "Hopefully, this year will be different because they are coming in as sophomores already."
Indeed, Manlapaz and Sabandal will be back for more, backstopping top guns Jerrick Ahanmisi and Jerom Lastimosa as Adamson hopes to get back inside the playoff picture.
And for sure, Manlapaz and Sabandal will be up to the task to take the reins after Ahanmisi and Lastimosa.
For that, the Srs. squad can thank the guiding hands of head coach Mike Fermin in the Jrs. "I have so much respect for the high school coach, si Coach Mike," coach Franz said.
In the last years, the Baby Falcons have spread their wings and taken flight in the high school cage wars.
They are yet to break through to the championship, but they have still willed their way to stand alongside the likes of powerhouses Nazareth School of National University, Ateneo de Manila High School, and Far Eastern University-Diliman.
In fact, after Manlapaz and Sabandal's days there, Adamson HS is now home to the most recent Jrs. MVP in Jake Figueroa.
The 6-foot-2 workhorse, as well as sniper Matty Erolon, represent the next crop of promising prospects the Soaring Falcons hope to harvest. "I think in the next following year, we have a very good high school team and yung focus nila will also be getting the players ready for college," Pumaren said.
He then continued, "Ang importante rin is pag-akyat nila sa akin, we can easily hone their skills."
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Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo.
https://sports.abs-cbn.com/uaap/news/2020/08/13/adamson-s-future-good-hands-mike-fermin-70173
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