Paying it forward: How Royce Alforque helped FEU turn things around in his final year

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Paying it forward: How Royce Alforque helped FEU turn things around in his final year

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

 | 

Updated Nov 21, 2024 04:35 AM PHT

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The FEU Tamaraws. Photo from UAAP Media.The FEU Tamaraws. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA — Far Eastern University just fell short of reaching the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball Final 4.

Despite a promising performance especially in the second round of this year's festivities — with FEU winning four of their seven outings — the Sean Chambers-led Tamaraws faltered against the University of the Philippines (UP) last Saturday, and this completely dashed their playoff hopes in Season 87.

Though the Morayta cagers fell short of regaining their palace at the top of the league, exiting team captain Royce Alforque is confident that FEU's turnaround has now started, and things will only get better for the program.

"Masaya naman po ako sa results kahit na 'di namin nakuha yung gusto naming makamit," said the 6-foot, Cebuano ace who had nine points, four assists, two rebounds, and a steal in his last game in the league.

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"Nakita po namin yung improvement ng team from last season. The future is bright po para sa team na 'to, and I'm very thankful po sa FEU community na sinuportahan kami," he added.

The former Baby Tamaraw's five years in Morayta was a rollercoaster ride. 

After Final 4 appearances in his first two YEARS — Seasons 82 and 84 — the Tamaraws have missed the semifinals for the past three including the present one. Nonetheless, there were no regrets for Alforque in repping FEU's Green and Gold not only in the high school ranks, but also at the collegiate level.

"Naalala ko nung before ako pumunta sa FEU, sinabi sa akin ni Coach Allan [Albano] yung program ng FEU, na tinutulungan nilang mag develop yung player from Diliman to Morayta," he said. 

"Nangyari naman, at nagawa rin naman nila L-Jay [Gonzales], RJ [Abarrientos]. 'Di siya madaling process pero siyempre nilaban ko, and alam ko naman na 'di ko talaga igi-give up talaga para makakuha ng spot."

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"Nakuha ko yun, and nagpapasalamat ako na binigyan nila ako ng tiwala na maglaro talaga," he continued.

After coming off an injury-plagued Season 86 wherein he only appeared for seven games, Alforque came back for his fifth year, but it was not for personal gain.

FEU Tamaraws team captain Royce Alforque. Photo from UAAP Media.FEU Tamaraws team captain Royce Alforque. Photo from UAAP Media.

Rather than proving himself yet again, much like what made it possible for him to be a mainstay in their program, the veteran guard wanted to set an example and be among the ones who would steer them back to form.

"Nag pray ako na sana matapos ko yung season na 'to, kasi nga na-injure ako last season, so I'm very thankful na natapos ko 'to," he said. 

"Gusto ko iwan yung winning culture. Sinabi ko na 'to before ng season, na sana maibalik namin yung winning culture. Nandito naman si Coach Sean, so walang imposible."

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While it was not reflected through their win-loss record, Chambers stressed that this was indeed what Alforque did for FEU, especially for their program that is rich in young and promising stars. 

"I felt that Royce led by example, so I made him team captain," said the PBA legend. "Royce has a great demeanor, he's very receptive, but personally, Royce is actually better than what he is showing right now."

"He can shoot at the next level, very skilled, and he can play at the next level. Having a guy like him every day makes Janrey [Pasaol] better, and makes Jedric [Daa] better. And the biggest thing, he's such a good kuya, a great big brother to everybody."

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