MAC Belo and his five other teammates wanted to join teams in the Philippine Basketball as early as last year.
But the six veterans set aside their personal ambition and stayed put for the Far Eastern University in Season 76 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
Their sacrifice paid off as the Tamaraws eventually beat the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers for the crown, following a 67-62 win Wednesday night in Game 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“It says a lot about the players, putting the team ahead of themselves. They had a goal of making it to the PBA and we talked about this since last year. Sabi ko, if they want to make it, kailangan mag-champion kayo,” said FEU coach Nash Racela after the game.
Racela said the six veterans sacrificed so much with their games, that none of them earned a Mythical Five award. No one from among them was even considered for the MVP award.
“They did not get any individual awards because they sacrificed,” added Racela.
In the end, it was Belo, who won the finals MVP award following his heroics in the final period of the final game.
Struggling from cramps, Belo collected 23 points and eight rebounds, while keeping Growling Tigers’ cager Kevin Ferrer in check at all times.
“Inisip ko, last playing year ko na. Sabi ko ibuhos ka na. Buti na lang at pumasok ang mga tira,” said Belo on his efforts in helping FEU win a record-setting 20th title.
Belo and five other Tamaraws are graduating at the end of the school-year.
He is now thinking of making it to the PBA with teammates Russell Escoto, Roger Pogoy, Mike Tolomia, Francis Tamsi and Achi Inigo.
The Tamaraws’ title conquest came after they missed the Final Four in 2006 and 2007, before making the semis in 2008 and 2009, and then arranging a finals showdown with Ateneo in 2010.
“Some say, it’s redemption. But for me, it’s a breakthrough for the basketball program of FEU,” said Racela.