Mahmood Commits to FEU Tamaraws: “All I Need Is a Platform”
After a season of limited minutes and plenty of reflection, Gilas Youth alum Zain Mahmood is making a move that could define his collegiate career. The 6-foot-7 big man has officially committed to the FEU Tamaraws, confirming he’ll join the team for UAAP Season 89 in 2026 after serving his residency year.
The decision comes amid strong interest from top programs across the UAAP and NCAA — including Ateneo, UE, CSB, and San Sebastian — but FEU stood out for reasons both personal and professional.
“I joined FEU for a multitude of reasons,” Mahmood said, “but above all the belief and faith I feel from coach Sean Chambers. He has the utmost faith in his players, and I believe that he’s going to put me in a position to excel and do what I came here to do.”
Chambers’ coaching philosophy and leadership were key factors for Mahmood, who described the coach’s hands-on style and player engagement as inspiring.
Despite sitting out the 2025 season due to UAAP transfer rules, Mahmood won’t be idle. He plans to immerse himself in team activities, get intensive individual training, and continue to level up his game physically and mentally.
“After speaking with coach Sean I know I’ll be a part of all team activity despite not playing this year,” he said. “But I’m looking to get individual training as well as using the time to get my mind and body right to come in and be an immediate and heavy contributor. I came here to show what I got.”
At UST, Mahmood logged only brief court time — appearing in seven games, averaging under a point and rebound per outing — but his pedigree as a former Gilas Youth standout tells a bigger story. In the 2022 FIBA U-18 Asian Championship, he averaged 11.3 points and 5.8 rebounds, showing flashes of what he could bring with the right opportunity.
“I think I’ve only gotten better since then,” Mahmood said. “That kid who was out there isn’t the same person I am now. I’ve matured in physical and mental stature, and improved and worked on my game. All I need is a platform where I can display what I got.”
Mahmood also cited familiarity and friendship as factors in his choice — he’ll reunite with good pal Jayden Jones, now also a Tamaraw.
The move signals not just a fresh start, but a calculated next step. With two seasons of eligibility remaining starting in 2026, Zain Mahmood is betting on FEU — and himself.
For more of my reporting from the college basketball offseason, view my archives here.
