The Adamson Soaring Falcons are determined to do better when season 83 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament comes around.
The presence of Joaquin Jaymalin in their roster will give them this chance.
Coach Franz Pumaren confirmed the inclusion of the Jaymalin for the coming season.
The 6’2” Jaymalin used to be the Ateneo Blue Eaglets’ team skipper.
He left the team after the Adamson Baby Falcons beat the Blue Eaglets in the stepladder semifinals.
“I’m expecting him to grow an inch or two and he’s been under the radar because of course Ateneo’s been a solid team. Probably their rotation is still solid for sure,” said Pumaren in “The Coaches Unfiltered podcast hosted by Charles Tiu.
Jaymalin normed 6.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 21 minutes the last time he saw action.
“He can shoot. I’ve watched him, I think he’s a welcome addition on our part and I’m confident we can develop him to be better all-around,” said Pumaren.
The squad will try to bounce back from their worst finish after reaching the Final Four for three straight years. Last season, the Falcons struggled to a sixth-place performance. It’s the worst finish for the Falcons since Pumaren started handling the team in 2015.
The Falcons are banking on the games of main men Jerrick Ahanmisi and Jerom Lastimosa.
The 6-foot-1 Ahanmisi, plays guard and is the 2018 Mythical Five member. He normed 13 points and three rebounds last season
The 22-year-old Lastimosa averages 8.5 points and 3.2 assists.