FEU Tamaraws hopes for a déjà vu
Given the five-year title drought, Far Eastern University has brought back the coach who has steered the team to the championship.
Coach Bert Flores who is best known for mentoring the 2005 UAAP champs in his rookie year was again handed the responsibility to return Tamaraws back to its glory days.
Coach Bert inherited the squad from Coach Koy Banal after failing to defend the crown in 2004.
He then took a hit in 2006 when the Tams failed to make it to the Final Four. He was replaced by Glenn Capacio.
Coach Bert will lead team composed of reigning Most Valuable Player RR Garcia and Rookie of the Year Terrence Romeo, and outstanding veterans Aldrech Ramos, JR Cawaling and Pippo Noundou.
"Gusto na namin makabawi. Ayaw na namin patagalin pa [We want to make a comeback. We can't wait]," the coach said, remembering FEU's bitter defeat against the Ateneo Blue Eagles last season.
The defense-oriented coach said the transition went smoothly especially with the help of his college teammates and PBA superstars Johnny Abarrientos and Victor Pablo who both serve as assistant coaches for the squad.
Flores said both superstars who were also products of the Tamaraws were very instrumental in motivating the boys and bringing out their killer instinct.
While he is now thankful for the opportunity given to him, Coach Bert feels the pressure from the management, the players and the FEU community who hungry for a championship crown.
Coach Bert, who has been with the school for more than two decades both as a cager and member of the coaching staff, wants to remain humble.
He expects Ateneo de Manila University, Adamson University, De La Salle University and National University, as the top contenders this season.
"Lahat naman ng coaches pangarap finals pero para sa akin just play to win lang [Each coach expects to be in the Finals but I will focus on playing to win]," he said.
