The stars are aligned for Adamson, says AJ Fransman
Photo credits: UAAP Media Team
In their battle to keep their Final Four hopes alive, the Adamson Soaring Falcons secured a crucial win against the NU Bulldogs on November 10, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Head coach Nash Racela believed that the stars were aligned for Adamson as they came into the arena today. Whether it’s answered prayers or good luck, the Soaring Falcons remained a contender for a Final Four spot.
AJ Fransman led his team with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds together with 3 assists. He also shared the same sentiment with coach Racela.
“Parang pumapabor sa’min ‘yung mga games, sa UAAP, sa basketball. Kung sino nananalo, sino natatalo. ‘Yon nga, tulad ng sabi [ni Coach Nash], the stars are aligned for us. But we [still] have to do our parts,” he said.
Fransman’s progress in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament has been noticeable, especially with how much he stepped up for his team in birthing their win streak. He shared that these improvements all boiled down to how he’s slowly taking in the system.
“I’m slowly understanding na kung ano gusto ng mga coaches. I’m slowly understanding the system. Nakikinig lang ako sa kung anong gusto nila ipagawa sa’kin, and gagawin ko lang,” said Fransman.
He also agreed that this also meant better chemistry from the team since their first game together. Fransman gave credit to the coaches and his teammates for what he’s been accomplishing in the past games.
“‘Yung mga coaches, I’m happy [and] thankful sa patience nila sa’kin. Hindi nila niru-rush ‘yong growth ko. Binibigyan nila ako ng kumpyansa, they hold me accountable.”
He added:
“Lalo na si Coach Gilbert. Parang second father ko na rin kasi siya sa kung paano niya ako i-take responsibility.”
Coach Gilbert is one of Adamson’s assistant coaches and a key component of preparing Racela’s game plan for each contest.
Fransman also credited his brothers. “Mga teammates ko, brothers ko na ‘yan. Parang nasa iisang bahay lang kami, sa dorm. They push me to be better.”
“When you have teammates and coaches like that, good things happen,” He said.
