Despite barriers to initial collegiate coaching campaign, head coach Nash Racela maintains upbeat.

FEU forward Russel Escoto and guard Terrence Romeo look on from the bench in the Tamaraws’ loss against Benilde on Friday. (FCF / Vyn Radovan)

Already shorthanded with numerous departures, Far Eastern University has to overcome yet more obstacles right before their UAAP Season 76 campaign in a month’s time.

Escoto lost for UAAP season due to left knee injury

Losing big bodies such as Clarence Foronda, Arvie Bringas, and Mark Bringas in the off-season, the Tamaraws lose yet another veteran big man still within their ranks.

Third year big man Russel Escoto suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on his left knee Tuesday, not playing for FEU but for Fruitas in the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League (PBA D-League) during their quarterfinals match against Terrence Romeo’s Big Chill squad.

According to head coach Nash Racela, who also handled the Fruitas squad bolstered by FEU veterans in the D-League, the initial prognosis on Escoto’s knee was an medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury. However, following an MRI scan, it has been determined that the lanky big man tore the ACL of his left knee.

“Na-MRI na siya yesterday and got the results today. Initial assessment ng doctor, ACL (injury),” said Racela. “Mag-sesecond opinion, just to be sure. For (Escoto’s) peace of mind.”

Romeo “indefinitely suspended” for detrimental actions

Romeo, on the other hand, was meted an “indefinite suspension” for his actions following their loss to San Beda on Saturday. In their 81-74 loss against Benilde, the streak-shooting two-guard from FEU-FERN was seen on the bench in street clothes.

“(Terrence is) on an indefinite suspension for some actions he did previously. Again, we do (these) things to teach the players. May effort on his part to change,” explained the first-time collegiate mentor.

Racela also clarified this has nothing to do with a prior incident wherein Romeo commited to the Big Chill ballclub in the D-League, despite management’s advisory not to commit due to a potential conflict in their preparations for the upcoming UAAP season.

Despite loss to Benilde, “team building” brings unit closer

In Friday’s loss to Benilde, the Tamaraws lost steam late in the second half and blew a huge halftime lead, which led to an impromptu hour-long “team building” session at their San Juan Arena dugout that somehow brought the players closer.

“This loss opened up things for our team. I hear a lot of things from them, inter-personal relationships lang. And now it’s out in the open,” recalled Racela.

“We took the advantage of the opportunity (to air out sentiments). Si Terrence has his other commitments (to Big Chill), si RR may commitments (to NLEX and Smart Gilas Pilipinas), even our coaches (andaming commitments). Para kaming nag-forced team building.”

For the first year mentor, his outlook on his first year as a collegiate head coach has been more upbeat following this ordeal.

“We’re very positive. That’s a good introduction.”