Team-first Sarr not focused on catching Mbala in MVP race

MANILA, Philippines – Adamson big man Papi Sarr has performed impressively for the Adamson Soaring Falcons in UAAP Season 79. A reliable go-to option in the paint, the second-year standout has played a major role in helping the team get to a 5-5 record through 10 games, well within reach of the Final Four in the first year of the Franz Pumaren era.

Sarr is also in the UAAP MVP conversation, finishing second to Ben Mbala in the statistical points race following the first round. However, he isn’t focused on catching his DLSU Green Archer counterpart for the remainder of the elimination round.

“This time I’m not looking for anything. I just want to work hard and help my team,” Sarr said after finishing with 25 points and 14 rebounds in the Falcons’ victory over the UE Red Warriors on Saturday, October 23.

“Last year I was a rookie, I did a lot of things, but now I don’t want to think about myself. I just think about my team. I don’t to make it personal, like a challenge. Whatever happened, happened.”

Sarr, the team’s Cameroonian import, says he’s more focused currently on helping the team compared to last season. With a veteran head coach in place, Adamson has an opportunity to make the Final Four for the first time since 2011.

“I was a rookie [last season]. I waited for two years residency. Last year for me was a bit of a challenge because I wanted to show people who I was,” said Sarr, whose UAAP career started slow but improved in the second round of the 2015 season.

“I just want to play my game and make my team proud and be in the Final Four. Why not [even] think about the Finals?” he added.

Sarr has many roles in Pumaren’s system. Aside from being a scoring option, the big man is also the most important rebounder and rim protector of the Falcons.

“ I just have to go with the flow and follow what Coach Franz wants me to do for the team so I can help them,” said Sarr, who also made his top priority clear.

“As long as we keep winning, I’m going to enjoy.” – Rappler.com