Aaron Fermin's collegiate career was initially cut short due to injuries, but he persevered and now, he is back in the NCAA to revive what is left of it.
Fermin was a star big man in high school, suiting up for the Arellano Braves in the NCAA junior ranks and all those three seasons saw the 6-foot-6 bruiser earn Mythical Five inclusions.
That impressive resume landed him a spot on Adamson's seniors team in UAAP Season 82, where he posted averages of 3.14 points, 2.64 rebounds, and 0.36 blocks in 14 games.
But after the pandemic hit, Fermin was forced to take a long break after suffering back-to-back ACL injuries on both of his left and right knees, sitting out Seasons 84 and 85 while recovering.
He then got a career revival when Mapua University called and offered him to play as the Cardinals' one-and-done front court addition. He was hesitant at first, but he knew he still got it in him and agreed eventually.
"Nakalaro ako ng one year sa Adamson tapos nag-pandemic, nag-bubble kami, na-injure ako. Isang taon lang ako sa Adamson tapos last year lumipat ako sa Mapua," Fermin told GMA News Online.
"Nag-baka sakali ako, baka makalaro ako nang maayos kasi ang hirap kumuha ng minuto sa UAAP kasi import ‘yung kapalitan ko. Pero nu'ng pinag-isipan ko muna, hindi naman pwedeng oo lang ako agad."
With Mapua coach Randy Alcantara putting his faith in him, Fermin is out to repay this trust.
That was exactly what transpired when the 25-year-old Fermin played some quality minutes in Mapua's 77-71 escape against his alma mater Arellano in NCAA Season 100 on Wednesday.
Incidentally, Fermin was tasked to guard a familiar face in Lorenz Capulong, whom he played with in his rookie year in Adamson before the latter also decided to transfer to the Chiefs last year.
"Best friend ko ‘yun. Nu’ng second quarter ata na pinasok ako, naka-score siya sa akin at tina-trashtalk niya ako na parang lambingan lang din. Wala naman sa amin ‘yun," Fermin shared.
"Ako talaga iniisip ko na na magma-match-up kami kasi ang laki niya eh, mas malaki siya sa akin sa katawan at sa height. Healthy talaga siya and ako galing sa injury. Iniisip ko lang na ‘yung best ko kailangan kong gawin."
This kind of opportunity is what Fermin hopes to continue to get as he looks to end his rollercoaster collegiate career with a bang.
"Pag may mga ganyang opportunity na may malalaking player na kailangang bantayan, doon ako nagkakaro’n ng kumpiyansa na maglaro," he said after finishing with five points and two rebounds in eight minutes of play.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
