FEU’s Barkley Eboña looks forward to help Bataan Risers vault to the top

FEU’s Barkley Eboña looks forward to help Bataan Risers vault to the top

by rick olivares

During Bataan Risers practice one December afternoon, there are two new faces. Well, one isn’t exactly a member of the team – Kevin Alas who in his off-season is working to get into shape, and two, this tall jumping jack who was running, huffing, puffing, and dunking during the drills. It was Barkley Eboña.

Unfortunately, Eboña cannot suit up for the much-anticipated game against the Knights in this Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu’s Cup match-up as he is waiting for clearance from the UAAP.

“Happy ako rito sa Bataan Risers,” beamed a happy Eboña during a water break. “Agad ako na welcome ng mga bago kong teammates at siyempre, meron mga familiar faces.”

Those familiar faces are his teammates from Far Eastern University – Achie Iñigo and Richard Escoto. There too are the coaches. Risers head coach Jojo Lastimosa and assistants Vic Pablo and Jonas Villanueva all serve with the current Tamaraws coaching staff (with the latter two former FEU players).

Eboña also pointed out that it is a welcome change to have some of his former UAAP foes as teammates such as Vince Tolentino and Jayjay Alejandro who suited up for Ateneo and National University respectively. “Para maiba naman,” laughed Barkley.

The transition was smooth and easy and Eboña bared that his teammates immediately welcomed him. “Pinagpala rin tayo,” said FEU’s hard working power forward. “Kasi rito sa Bataan, may chance kami lumaban para sa championship.”

After a difficult season with FEU where the Tamaraws finished fourth in the league, Eboña is hoping that the Risers will fulfill a trophy-less season. “Suwerte rin kasi freshman ako sa FEU nung manalo kami sa UAAP,” he recalled. “Matagal tagal na rin so gutom din tayo na hindi lang manalo ngunit mag-champion ulit.”

“Excited ako tumulong sa Risers at mapasaya ang management, coaches, at teammates ko at siyempre… mga taga-Bataan.”

“Promise ko na ibibigay ko yung best ko.”