Destined for greatness.

Far Eastern University (FEU) barging into the Final Four this season is already an achievement after the Tamaraws were not among the favorites to make it past the elimination round in the 76th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

"We were overlooked at the start of the season. Though we’re not proving anybody wrong we took it as a challenge. This year we represented the school better compared to 2012,” said FEU Head Coach Nash Racela.

The Tamaraws, who placed fifth last year with a 9-5 record, made it to the semifinals this season where they finished tied with the National University Bulldogs and De La Salle University Green Archers with 10-4 slates.

The Bulldogs bagged the top ranking based on a higher quotient leaving the Tams and the Green Archers to dispute the number two spot that enjoys the twice-to-beat edge. La Salle defeated FEU, 74-69, to nail the semis bonus and booked a return trip to the finals after a 71-68 win on Wednesday.

"We played better today compared to the playoff match. We forced them to miss their shots and we made extra passes, which for the whole season was being questioned. We had La Salle’s numbers early in the game,” said Racela.

"The players have been executing properly and they are enjoying the game. But that’s the story of basketball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.”

Despite coming up short in trying to achieve their goal, Racela is happy with his first season on the Tamaraws’ bench. “We did not get the outcome that we wanted but what’s important is lumaban kami. It is always hard to play against a team like La Salle. You really have to bring you’re a game and we almost did.”

This early, Racela is optimistic about their chances despite losing some key men due to graduation. Team captain Gyrann Mendoza, wily guard RR Garcia, and Carl Bryan Cruz had used up their playing years.

"I told them after the game that destined for greatness ang group natin, ang pumipigil lang ay tayo din. Be proud and keep your heads up. I’m sure the FEU community is proud of how we performed. They gave everything in this game,” said Racela.

"Alam ko na pag buo sila malayo ang mararating. There are things that we learned as a team. Pero, sigurado next year mapag uusapan na kami and we’re hoping for better things next year,” said Racela.

"I know it will be another process next year, pero iba ang team this year compared to last season. We’re very positive dahil nakikita namin ang mga problema ng team.

Racela will have a Tamaraws team built around Roger Pogoy, Russel Escoto, Mark Belo, Cris Tolomia, Christian Sentcheu, Alejandrino Inigo, and former juniors’ standout Joshua Aguilon next season.