Rookie MVP Figueroa repays opportunity, commits to Adamson seniors

Former UAAP rookie MVP Jake Figueroa looks to finish what he started in the high school circuit as he has decided to stay with Adamson University for his collegiate career.

“Doon ko po talaga gustong ipagpatuloy ang career ko sa paglalaro ng basketball pati sa pag-aaral po,” he said.

(That’s where I really want to continue my basketball career and my studies.)

Although not well-known coming out of hoops hotbed Pampanga, the 18-year-old forward burst into the UAAP scene with statsheet-stuffing averages of 13.2 points, 14.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks in just 27 minutes per game.

In what would turn out to be a one-and-done stint in the UAAP high school division due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Figueroa ran away with the Season 82 MVP plum after netting 6.2 statistical points more than runner-up Josh Lazaro of Ateneo.

He helped the Baby Falcons to an 8-6 record in the elimination round before knocking off perennial finalist Ateneo Blue Eaglets in the stepladder semifinals.

Adamson then bowed out at the hands of the loaded FEU Baby Tamaraws, who in turn lost in the finals to the superstar-studded NU Bullpups.

After the cancellation of Season 83, the 6-foot-2 Figueroa sought the advice of his parents John and Jhane, his grandfather Monico, and his adviser Ron Tuazon regarding his future.

He got their blessings to stay put, and is now set to play with fellow star Baby Falcons Joem Sabandal and AP Manlapaz. Veteran lead guard Jerom Lastimosa is also still there to help the young guns transition into the college game.

Before Figueroa’s commitment, Adamson also secured more homegrown talents like Joshua Barcelona, Matt Erolon, and Didat Hanapi as the program looks to fill the gaps left by veterans Simon Camacho, Val Chauca, and Jerrick Ahanmisi.

With talent at San Marcelino certainly not in short supply, the only real question mark looming above the Falcons’ heads is the commitment of their head coach Franz Pumaren, who is reportedly considering retirement in favor of his career in public service. – Rappler.com