JANREY Pasaol helped Far Eastern University-Diliman end a six-year title dry spell in the 85th UAAP juniors’ basketball tournament last week.
The 5-foot-11 guard, younger brother of former University of the East star and now PBA player Alvin, has opted to stay with FEU and wants to do the same with the Tamaraws– win it all after eight years.
Pasaol said it was an easy decision to remain with FEU.
“Pinili kong mag-stay sa FEU kasi sobra-sobra ang pasasalamat ko sa kanila sa laki ng tulong nila sa akin, hindi lang sa basketball, kundi sa buhay pa,” Pasaol said.
“Thankful din ako kasi ito iyong school na pinapangarap ng iba at nabigyan ako ng chance na makapag-aral at makapaglaro rito,” he added.
New Tams coach Denok Miranda, who is also an assistant to Allan Albano with the Baby Tamaraws, said Pasaol will be a big boost to the squad.
“Malaki ang maitutulong niya sa team, lalo na alam na niya iyong system ko,” Miranda said.
Pasaol, 18, averaged 15.7 points, 6.7 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.4 steals last season for FEU-D.
The Morayta-based five, a usual Final Four contender, wound up with a 5-9 card for seventh in the last cage wars and failed to reach the semifinals after eight straight stints.
A member of the juniors’ Mythical Team, Pasaol will join the likes of playmaker L-Jay Gonzales, Patrick Sleat and Bryan Sajonia in the next UAAP season later this year.
Miranda took over at the helm of FEU from pro league legend Olsen Racela early this year.
He will be assisted by Albano, Eric Gonzales, Jonathan De Guzman, and Vic Pablo.
Johnny Abarrientos, another former FEU and PBA, was also named team consultant.
