Don’t look now, but the FEU Tamaraws are climbing out of the cellar of the UAAP. 

The Tamaraws have inserted themselves into the Final Four race after turning a winless campaign around with three victories in their last four games. Many had scoffed at how FEU, led by first-year head coach and PBA legend Sean Chambers, would, among other things, use novel tactics more suited for American football than in basketball. 

Part of this Tamraws turnaround came with FEU finally getting used to Chambers’ system. But it also had to do with the emergence of Jorick Bautista. 

With LJay Gonzales moving on from the program, Bautista became one of the Tamaraws’ veterans. It was a development that became all the more critical as FEU was transitioning from former head coach Denok Miranda to Chambers. All things considered, Bautista has done a good job thus far. 

Through nine games, Bautista is leading the Tamaraws in scoring (14.4 points per game) and steals (1.3 steals per game). The shooting percentages have not been that pretty (35.3 percent from the field and 25.9 from behind the 3-point line), but it doesn’t matter so long as Bautista shows up when it matters most. 

FEU seized an opportunity to create some separation from the bottom feeders when they took on the NU Bulldogs. Bautista may have not gone to the free throw line, but the rest of his offense was on point. The turnaround fadeaway was his best friend and his solid performance was enough to draw the defense away from his teammates, who happily seized on the openings Bautista created. 

The rest of the second round could prove to be tough for the Tamaraws as after a 10-day break, they will go through a path that includes a strong UE Red Warriors squad, the defending champion DLSU Green Archers, and a elimination round finale against the UP Fighting Maroons. The assignments against the UST Growling Tigers, Adamson Soaring Falcons, and the Ateneo Blue Eagles will prove critical as wins over these teams will allow them to inch closer to the postseason. 

Going forward, Bautista will be a marked man. As he and the rest of FEU get more familiar with Chambers’ system, it will allow them to spread the wealth while giving Bautista a chance to once again become a tormentor to the likes of the Blue Eagles. 

What was once looking like a hopeless season for the FEU Tamaraws is now showing some promise, thanks in part to Jorick Bautista. The Tamaraws will continue to rely on Bautista as they chase a chance at the Final Four, and as long as his turnaround fadeaway is on point, anything is possible.