Winning hearts through heart: The Adamson Soaring Falcons

MANILA, Philippines - They’ve only gotten better and deadlier. With most of the main cast returning for them from last season, the Soaring Falcons are hell-bent on making a title run, powered by sheer guts and determination. They’ve gotten over their tendency to mount a lead and let go of it at the last minute, proving they can dominate on the court. Led by Captain Jerick Cañada under the watchful eye of Coach Leo Austria, the boys of San Marcelino have shocked the world and won hearts in the elimination round of Season 74.

More important to this team than getting the “W” is the way they get it. None of them gets away with slacking off, none of them are handed anything. Even superstar guard Alex Nuyles has shown his determination in lifting this team, working extra hours to improve his game, working extra hours to make his team better, working extra hours to earn the right to be called champions.

With a quick glance at the lineup, one can easily see how out-matched they are compared to other teams. No rookie sensation, no freakishly tall center, no one-man MVP, and yet they’ve managed to topple every opponent they’ve faced, especially the giants in the league.

Been there, done that: Victory against the Eagles was even sweeter, having been tormented by the same team for 14 years. Interaksyon

From their demolition of last year’s finals contender in the first round to a heroic late game winner to the systematic dismantling of the defending champions, they’ve shown the world that there is no game situation they can’t dig themselves out of.

In a matter of three years, Coach Leo Austria has brought them to their first playoff berth since the Ken Bono era. He has allowed players to develop and shine. What was once just another point guard tandem is now considered the best backcourt duo in the UAAP in Jerick Cañada and Lester Alvarez. From humble beginnings emerged a superstar in Alex Nuyles who would risk life and limb just to get the win for his team.

Other players have learned their place in the system. All of them are willing to take a backseat role if Coach Austria thinks it is best for the team, including last year’s team captain Jan Julius Colina whose offensive impact was reduced as the offense began to rely more on the ball screens he sets rather than his long-range bombs.

They’ve relied on team unity to win games, constantly reminding themselves that none of them can win it all on their own. In the dugout, Coach Austria points to their sacrifice on the court, discipline and will to win as their life-blood every game. “They aren’t the most talented players in the league, but we’ve come so far playing as a team.” But when the ball stayed with only one player while the rest of the team just watched, win or lose, it was a mess of a game that was difficult to watch.

Mas cute bird namin: Battle of the Birds Part II goes to Adamson. UAAP Sports TV

The only true roadblock to the Soaring Falcons’ success is themselves, whether or not they stay true to their game, whether or not they let their egos get the best of them and whether or not they have think they must get the crown. The ball is in their court and it’s really up to them to grab it. No more excuses, no more bailouts, they can do it and they must.

Despite not winning it all this season, they’ve already won. They’ve won the hearts of the millions of fans who believe in hard work and determination; they’ve won the hearts of the fans who believe that not everyone can be a champion, but a champion can be anyone.