MARK BARROCA’S magical career with Far Eastern University (FEU) ended on a sour note.
FEU decided not to field the five-foot-nine playmaker when the Tamaraws collide with University of the East in their Final Four of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament this Saturday.
The BusinessMirror learned that FEU management made the decision after consulting with the other players.
FEU management, however, did not state the official reason it is dropping Barroca from the team despite its crucial game against the Red Warriors.
Sources hinted Barroca has been suspected of deliberately playing lacklusterly, fanning speculations he has been in cahoots with “game-fixers.” This, however, has yet to be confirmed.
According to his agent Ed Ponceja, Barroca had a “misunderstanding” with the coaching staff, that is why he no longer showed up for practice after their 73-74 loss to Ateneo last Saturday.
“Masama na ang loob ni Mark dahil parang nawalan ng saysay ang paghihirap niya sa team,” Ponceja told the BusinessMirror. “Kaya sabi ko sa kanya, mas maganda huwag na lang siya maglaro kasi baka lalong gumulo ulit ang sitwasyon.”
Ponceja did not say what the misunderstanding was all about.
Team officials observed that Barroca’s performance dipped considerably, particularly in the last two games of the elimination round against De La Salle and the Blue Eagles.
The Smart Gilas national pool member averaged 13.6 points per game in the first 12 games but did just 7.5 points per game in the last two matches. Barroca had only eight points against Ateneo, all in the first quarter, in their last elimination match where the No. 1 seed was at stake.
The BusinessMirror learned Barroca was confronted by a high-ranking FEU official and was asked to explain the sudden decline in his performance.
Since then Barroca never showed up in the Tamaraws’ practice and Ponceja confirmed that his ward will no longer play for the FEU for the rest of the season.
“Mag-concentrate na lang siya sa kanyang studies,” said Ponceja, adding that Barroca has 30 units left to complete his Sports and Recreation Management degree at the Morayta campus.
Without Barroca, Tamaraws head coach Glen Capacio would have to settle for rookie RR Garcia and veteran Jens Knuttel.
FEU, for finishing No. 2 in the double-round elimination, holds a twice-to-beat advantage over the Red Warriors, who are coming off a five-game winning streak. Game is 3:30 p.m.
The other Final Four match pits top seed Ateneo and No. 4 University of Santo Tomas at 5:30 p.m.
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Originally Posted by boski
nonoy baclao - another freddie abuda in the making
FEU management junks ace guard Mark Barroca
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