Far Eastern University rookie Cabs Cabonilas (left) and head coach Sean Chambers (right) in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament. UAAP Media.MANILA — Far Eastern University’s UAAP Season 89 debut may have been spoiled, but prized rookie Cabs Cabonilas gave the Tamaraws reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.
READ: Montebon, Edding step up as Adamson completes comeback win vs. FEU
The UAAP Season 88 high school MVP showed glimpses of his potential with 11 points, 12 rebounds, an assist, and a steal in FEU’s 56-53 loss to Adamson University on Sunday, scoring all seven of the Tamaraws’ fourth-quarter points.
For FEU head coach Sean Chambers, Cabonilas’ performance was a testament to the talent he has displayed since his days with the Baby Tamaraws.
“Cabs is phenomenal,” Chambers raved. “And I felt he was the only one that played freely. So we have to make sure that we bounce back. We don't want him to feel that anxiety of trying to do it all.”
FEU squandered a 46-33 lead in the third quarter as Matthew Montebon and Mat Edding sparked the Soaring Falcons on both ends of the floor, while Adamson’s defense forced the Tamaraws into 21 turnovers.
Chambers attributed the collapse to FEU playing tense, pointing out that Cabonilas was the only Tamaraw who maintained his energy throughout the game.
“He played freely, he had putbacks,” said Chambers of Cabonilas, who also grabbed six offensive rebounds. “I thought some of our other guys played a little tight because of the expectations. But Cab played extremely well.”
Cabonilas, however, downplayed his coach’s praise, saying he was still adjusting to the collegiate game.
“Hindi ko pa kabisado yung mga play, and ibang level na ‘to,” he said. “At hindi ko akalain yung ginagawa ko kasi ginagawa ko lang role ko.”
But Chambers believes Cabonilas has already shown that he can handle the jump to the collegiate ranks, seeing his debut as a sign of even greater things to come for the UAAP Season 88 high school Finals MVP.
“He did not [play like a rookie], and that's who Cab is,” said Chambers. “Cab is really a future star of the Philippines. Not only in this league, but in the Philippines.”
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