After months of speculation, the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) juniors MVP Dawn Hynric Ochea made a surprising decision as he chose to play for the unheralded Adamson Soaring Falcons in the UAAP for his collegiate career.
While many thought that the choice was down to either the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons or the five-time defending UAAP champions Ateneo Blue Eagles, Adamson suddenly came out of nowhere to win the recruiting war for the talented big man.
“Gipili nako ang Adamson because naa ang chance na makaduwa dayun in addition to it being a great school for academics,” said Ochea in an interview yesterday.
The 6-foot-1 forward is coming off a fantastic senior season, wherein he helped lead the Sacred Heart Schiil-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles to their first and only championship in the juniors division so far.
“I consulted with my parents and came to this decision in spite of the strong recruitment pitches from Arellano University and the University of the Philippines,” he added, as he now joins a squad that is itching to bounce back following a dismal season that saw the Falcons win only three out of their 14 games.
Ochea is expected to infuse some much-needed talent into a team that lost several starters led by Alex Nuyles and big man Eric Camson. Left to carry the scoring cudgels for the team are Jericho Cruz and Roider Cabrera.
Adamson head coach Leo Austria said he sees a lot of upside and promise in the youngster, in spite of his lack of height for his position.
“Dalawang beses ko na siya napanood. Nagtune-up against Team B. He is very good pagdating sa depensahan, magaling siya pumositiion. Ang makikita undersized siya para sa kanyang position pero bata pa yun, pwede pa lumaki. In the future, pwede maging tres kung hindi na siya lalaki. Malaki kinabukasan niya,” said Austria in an interview.
The Falcons are in the thick of preparations for the 7th Filoil Flying V Premier Cup next weekend.