NASH RACELA is certain of returning to Far Eastern University (FEU) in Season 78 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
But that could not be the case for Mark Belo and Michael Tolomia, who are mulling the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Draft next year.
Belo and Tolomia have a year left on their eligibility, making the Tamaraws strong contenders anew in Season 78. But the BusinessMirror learned they have other plans.
“It’s personal,” said Racela, who was given a two-year extension by FEU management even before Season 77 started. “I think, anytime, they are ready for the PBA.”
The Tamaraws fell short of winning their 20th UAAP crown as National University (NU) completed its date with destiny, finishing off FEU in three games on Wednesday.
Belo was the No. 3 scorer of Season 77 with 16.9 points per game (ppg) and was ninth in rebounds (7.2 boards per game). Tolomia was fifth in scoring with 15.3 ppg and No. 5 in assists with 3.3 dimes per contest.
Racela said FEU has a 48-man pool and if Belo and Tolomia decide to turn pro, they have 46 players to choose from.
Carl Bryan Cruz and Alfred Aroga are the Tamaraws who won’t be back next year as they already finished their eligibility.
But if his advice will be sought, Johnny Abarrientos, the former King Tamaraw and Racela’s assistant, would tell Belo and Tolomia to stay and graduate in style.
“Although I’m not in the position [to decide], it’s good for them to stay,” said Abarrientos, who led the Tamaraws to back-to-back titles in 1991 and 1992, and had a year left with FEU but opted to turn pro in 1993.
“Based on my experience, may regret ako at umalis agad ako. Kaya nga ako bumalik sa FEU to help them in my own little way. At the end of the day kasi, matatapos ‘yung career mo [sa college]. Maganda ‘yung bigyan mo pa ng isang championship before you go out.”
Abarrientos, who boasts of 27 finals appearances and 18 title runs in the PBA, said he was just lucky that FEU top official Anton Montinola allowed him to turn pro at that time.
“God was so good to me. Pero bumabalik pa rin sa isip ko ‘yung one year na ‘yun. Pero bakit naman sila magmamadali. Sa akin, kulang pa,” Abarrientos said.
FEU will a take a much-needed break before plunging into action in the PBA Developmental League Aspirants Cup, where they will carry the school-based team M Builders.