WHILE there were tempting offers to bring his acts overseas, Adamson University prized guard Jerom Lastimosa has opted to play his fifth and final year with the Soaring Falcons.
He just simply could not pass up on the chance to finish his studies and lead the San Marcelino-based cagers to the 86th UAAP basketball tournament.
“The reason why I chose to play my final year in college is that I want to finish my studies first,” Lastimosa said. “Iyon iyong pangako ko sa parents ko noong lumipat ako dito sa Manila.
“Iyong money, kikitain ko rin naman iyon one day pero iyong diploma, iyon iyong panghahawakan ko habang buhay,” he added.
A Sports Management student, Lastimosa is raring to give back to the Adamson community and fulfill his promise to his parents, Fernando and Sarita, when he left Asian College-Dumaguete six years ago that he will obtain a degree in Manila.
“Gusto kong masuklian ang pagmamahal na ibinigay ng mga classmate para sa akin. Kahit noong down na down kami, hindi nila kami iniwan,” Lastimosa said. “Hindi masusuklian ng pera ang ginawa ng Adamson para sa akin ng ilang taon.”
The 5-foot-11 Dumaguete City native got several offers from both the Japan B. League and teams from the Korean Basketball League but opted to have one last shot at collegiate wars glory.
The Falcons recorded a 7-7 mark after the eliminations and hurdled La Salle in a knockout playoff duel for the last Final Four slot last season but lost to eventual champion Ateneo in the semifinals.
Lastimosa vowed to do whatever it takes to carry Adamson back to the Promised Land.
“Ngayon na nakapag-Final Four na kami, sisikapin ko na i-lead iyong team sa finals at sana sa championship. Puwede namang mangarap, hindi ba?” he posed.
“Once in a lifetime lang ito at ito ‘yung huling pagkakataon ko na makagawa ng history sa eskuwehalan na nag-alaga, nag-paaral, at nakatulong sa akin.”
Lastimosa, 24, has career averages of 11.5 points, 3.98 rebounds, 3.31 assists, and 1.12 steals for the Falcons.
Adamson last won a UAAP crown in 1977 behind pro league great Hector Calma.
