Arvin Tolentino is grateful to both FEU and former team Ateneo

As the final buzzer was heard at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, with the Ateneo Blue Eagles victorious over the FEU Tamaraws, Morayta forward Arvin Tolentino crossed the court and paid his respects to his former teammates from Katipunan.

He even sang Ateneo's hymn, together with the blue-and-white community.

LOOK: Arvin Tolentino joins the Ateneo community in singing the Alma Mater song.

Tolentino in the early years of his collegiate career played for the Ateneo @gmanews pic.twitter.com/FEKHJitkRR

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) November 25, 2018

Tolentino, who was an integral part of FEU's campaign, played for the Blue Eagles in his first two years as a college player.

He made five points and three rebounds in his final game as a college athlete.

"Parang mixed emotions. Kasi, 'yun nga, last game namin and not the way we want to end our UAAP career. But of course, we'll take it. It is what it is," Tolentino shrugged.

Despite the loss, Tolentino hoped that he had made the FEU community proud.

He also shared how grateful he was to the FEU and his former team Ateneo for supporting him during his entire collegiate career.

"Gusto ko lang pasalamatan 'yung FEU community for supporting us all the way. In my two years dito sa FEU, sila yung parang nagbibigay ng energy sa 'kin," Tolentino said.

"I was with Ateneo rin for two years and they also cheered for me before so I'm thankful din [ako] sa kanila."

No regrets

With a collegiate career full of ups and downs, Tolentino said he did not regret anything and still believed in the merits of continuously moving forward.

"Whatever happens, I'll take it. Walang mangyayari kung magre-regret pa ako. I just have to focus on what's ahead for me," he shared.

"I've done a lot of regretful things pero I don't really want to regret anything coming out of my UAAP career. Whatever happens, [I just] learn, move forward. I cannot really move forward if wala akong matutunan sa mga nangyayari."

As to his favorite moments as a UAAP player, Tolentino pointed to his game-winning shot against La Salle last Wednesday, receiving the Rookie of the Year award back in 2014, having a breakout game against UST during his sophomore year, and playing for FEU for the first time last year.

Moreover, thanks to all the things he experienced in the UAAP, Tolentino said he has become a better person.

What's next for him? Well, his studies are still one of his concerns, but in terms of pro basketball, Tolentino said he had yet to decide on that.

"'Di ko pa naiisip 'yun, dahil ongoing pa yung season. My family and my agent, pag-uusapan pa namin what's next."

Time's up for five Tams

Tolentino is just one of the five graduating seniors from FEU. Axel Iñigo, Richard Escoto, Jasper Parker, and RJ Ramirez, also played their last game for the green-and-gold.

LOOK: FEU’s graduating seniors singing their school hymn in their final game @gmanews pic.twitter.com/on87OYjQJe

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) November 25, 2018

FEU head coach Olsen Racela said despite the loss, his seniors had been exemplary role-models to the younger members of the team.

"These five players showed to the team kung ano dapat ang gagawin ng team namin. Paalis na sila, may iniwan pa silang kapupulutan ng mga iniwan nila. It's just unfortunate na nakalaban namin sa Final Four e Ateneo right away. It's a learning experience for us."

Racela also praised and thanked his team's seniors.

"Any team who will pick them up will be very fortunate to have them. I just want these guys to know that we appreciate them and their service to the school."

The FEU head coach also clarified that Prince Orizu still had one more playing year, but they still needed to discuss the big man's plans for next year. — DVM, GMA News