Arong evades the defense in this 2013 photo while playing for SWU. (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)
WITH THE departure of the stars of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, Cebuano wingman Monbert Arong has suddenly been thrust into the fore both as elder statesman and lead scorer.
On Wednesday, the spitfire lefty showed that he was up to the task as he scored 16 points to lead FEU to a 77-64 win over San Sebastian in their debut in the FilOil Flying V Premier Cup.
Cebu Daily News caught up with the veteran backcourt general right before their practice session as he remarked on the responsibilities that are now on his shoulders.
“Even though more is expected out of us, the veterans — Ron Dennison, Raymar Jose, Joe Trinidad — I feel more confident unlike last year wherein primarily I was used as a defensive stopper,” said the former Southwestern University stalwart who helped the Cobras win the 2012 Cesafi crown.
“I’m still learning how to be more vocal and at the same time, be a veteran who the rookies can look up to and lean on,” added Arong.
In his debut for the Tamaraws last season, Arong had modest averages of 6.4 points and 3.1 rebounds in 16 minutes of action per match.
Now, with resident stars Mike Tolomia, Mac Belo and fellow Cebuano Roger Pogoy all exhausting their eligibility, Arong is expected to break through and help FEU in their title defense.
Arong said that the lessons he has learned from both Tolomia and Belo will serve him well in helping the Tamaraws round into fighting form.
“From Mike (Tolomia), I learned to emulate his fighting spirit while from Mac (Belo), I got taught about leadership.”
With Season 79 of the UAAP still months away, Arong and the rest of the Tams are still looking to round their edges especially after committing a whopping 34 turnovers in their win over the Stags.