Far Eastern University coach Sean Chambers in UAAP Season 88. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA – After clinching back-to-back wins, Far Eastern University head coach Sean Chambers said the team is on the right track in Round 2 of UAAP Season 88.
The Tamaraws avenged their first-round overtime loss against the Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday with a 75-68 victory to open the second round.
READ: Jorick Bautista catches fire as FEU adds to Ateneo’s woes
"We're definitely trending in the right way. We're starting to play really good basketball. This was a very tough week. We've been playing non-stop in the last four or five play dates," Chambers said during the post-game press conference.
"Some guys are starting to get more minutes, they're playing well. Today we missed Jedrick Daa, who is our hustle guy. Other guys stepped up and I felt comfortable with that. It's very weird that I feel comfortable without one of my starters," Chambers added.
The FEU bench tactician said they won't dwell on the win too long, since they have to prepare for their next game on Sunday.
"We'll win this game, we'll be happy with it and we'll celebrate. We'll rest up and focus our mindset on UP," Chambers said.
BAUTISTA, PASAOL REPAYING THE TRUST
Chambers lauded his wards Jorick Bautista and Janrey Pasaol for leading the charge for the Tamaraws.
Bautista dropped 20 points, including two crucial triples in FEU's win over Ateneo.
"Credit sa mga teammates ko. Kung hindi dahil sa kanila hindi mangyayari yung ganung mga sitwasyon. It was a team effort it's not me lang. Pinagtrabahuan namin talaga ito sa training. Nakinig lang kami kay coach Sean," he said.
Pasaol tallied a double-double of 15 markers and 13 assists, along with five rebounds and two steals for the Tamaraws.
The FEU bench tactician said he sat down with Bautista and Pasaol to discuss their high expectations of them in the team.
"I know the expectations are high. I know sometimes can sometimes be unfair. But they're both so talented so therefore they needed to lead by example. They both had a hard conversation and they listened to me. They were like 'okay coach I'll do better'," Chambers said.
"What I envisioned at the beginning of the season, they're bringing it at the right time. You know how the season goes, you'd rather be trending the way we are, while other teams are going through situations," he added.
Chambers lauded Pasaol for embracing his role, stepping up his defense against Ateneo aside from his usual playmaking skills.
"I told him if he doesn't live up to my expectations, I'm gonna take his minutes away. Honestly Jan, he's such an incredible player I'm so lucky to have him," he said.
"I got a text from Kent Bazemore two weeks ago, they were like how is Jan doing? They remembered Jan in Sacramento and how well he played against the Sacramento Kings guys. They go don't worry about it, that kid's tough he's gonna bounce back," Chambers added.
For his part, Pasaol wants to repay the trust from coach Chambers on the court.
"Si Coach Sean kasi since pumunta siya dito, sobrang laki na ng tiwala na binibigay niya sa akin eh. So pagdating lang sa game, ako naman yung naglalaro eh," he shared.
"Binibigay lang ni coach Sean na sige maglaro ka lang, ikaw na bahala. Pinapanindigan ko naman yung role na binibigay ni coach Sean sa akin," Pasaol said.
The FEU guard underscored his growth on the court after taking to heart lessons from last season.
"Siyempre masaya. Alam naman natin pangit pinakita ko last season nung second round na ako nakabawi, doon na ako naka-feel ng college basketball talaga. Inisip ko nung first round, alam ko na yung feeling dati. Yung mga pagkakamali ko dati ina-avoid ko na ngayon," Pasaol said.
FEU will face the defending champions, the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.