FEU's Jasper Parker out to make statement season in UAAP

MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University point guard Jasper Parker started out slow in his UAAP debut but came on strong toward the second round onwards.

Parker was particularly impressive in Game Two of the Final Four match versus Ateneo where the Filipino-American guard scored 19 points and grabbed four rebounds, dished off two assists, and picked off two pockets for steals against one turnover.

Unfortunately for the FEU Tamaraws, the Ateneo Blue Eagles rallied for a pulsating win that propelled them to the finals and the eventual championship.

In 16 matches in his debut for FEU after transferring from Southwestern University where he first made a name from himself, Parker averaged 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists. Parker was FEU’s starting guard by the second round and next season, UAAP Season 81, he figures to be better.

We spoke to Parker and solicited his reflections on a tough and heartbreaking season for him.

Rick: What is your personal takeaway from this past season? It took a while for you to find your groove but when you did, you became one of the top playmakers in the league.

Jasper: One thing I can take away from this concluded season is to focus on us as a team and don’t let the outside distractions and comments affect what we’ve been trying to work on as a team.

The whole season, we’ve been bashed on and people made comments about us especially with us being the season hosts. I think that made me realize that none of that matters. The only things that matter is that moment is I am on the court with my teammates; coaches included.

We had a great Final Four battle and everyone saw what kind of team we can really be and I experienced it for myself personally. We went through a lot of ups and downs but it molded us into the team that we wanted to be in that final stretch. Things started to click and like what Coach Olsen (Racela) said to us, we peaked at the right time. Unfortunately, things didn’t go our way.

Rick: Can you talk about coming close to knocking Ateneo off in the Final Four. What were your thoughts after the match?

Jasper: It definitely hurt and it will continue to hurt until the start of the next season. Especially for me since that tie from Isaac Go was my mistake. That stop would have made the difference for us and we definitely could have made it to the finals. But everything is a learning experience and it’s nothing but positive things. It only continues to make you a better player.

Rick: Can you describe the locker room scene for FEU? Do you have an anecdote that you can share as well?

Jasper: It obviously wasn’t a happy vibe inside the locker room. Tears were falling and there were faces of sadness and disappointment. I mean with a situation like that, it wouldn’t be easy to take in. But we had nothing but positive comments from the coaching staff. We shouldn’t be hanging our heads down because we definitely didn’t back down and everyone saw that. People were proud of us and we had nothing to be ashamed of.

Rick: Next season is actually a few months away as the summer leagues tip off. What are your thoughts about FEU for the next season?

Jasper: Basically, the team will be back except for Ron Dennison and Jojo Trinidad. I’m excited for next year’s season to come up. It was basically our first year as a team together with Coach Olsen being new and we made a statement. If we continue to improve on how we ended last season, I see nothing but positive things for us next year. A lot of other teams have new recruits but basically, we’re going to be staying with the same core so I know we can definitely do some damage next season.

Rick: Good luck, Jasper. Love the way you picked it up. Keep it up and as I said when we first spoke when you were in SWU, I’ll see you in the PBA.

Jasper: Thanks. Got one more year to make a statement. Hope it goes well.