Adamson's AJ Fransman sets example for brother Aurelio in juniors

AJ Fransman is hitting two birds with one stone as he looks to completely fulfill his duties with Adamson University, all while setting the bar for his younger brother Aurelio in the Junior High School division. 

The 23-year-old forward from San Pedro, Laguna poured eight of his career-best 14 points in the pivotal fourth quarter of Adamson’s 45-37 win over University of the East on Wednesday. 

After struggling to find their groove for most of the season, Fransman, alongside Matt Erolon, cleaned up their act to snap the Soaring Falcons’ five-game slump and revived their Final Four chances. 

As Adamson finds itself hanging in balance in the fifth spot with a 4-7 record, the elder Fransman has to bear in mind not only the team’s best interest, but also what Aurelio can pick up from him whenever he steps inside the court and tries recover from adversities such as being on the brink of elimination. 

“Kapatid ko si Aurelio, sa totoo lang, idol ako nyan sa lahat ng bagay, gusto niya same kami palagi. Alam kong nilo-look up niya ako, so ako naman bilang kuya gina-guide ko siya at kailangan ko mag-lead as an example,” said AJ. 

(My brother Aurelio, to be honest, I am his idol in many things. He always wants us to be similar in every way. I know he looks up to me, so as his big brother, I try to guide him and lead by example.)

Like AJ, Aurelio is also making a good account of himself with the Baby Falcons as he draws inspiration from his best buddy and big brother up there in the collegiate scene. 

While things are barely looking bright for Adamson at the moment, AJ wants to continue building on his newfound momentum in the last stretch of the eliminations.

“Expect ko lang sa sarili ko tuloy ko lang ‘yung mga ginagawa kong positive, ‘yung mga mistakes at kailangan ko ayusin ma-adjust and correct ko ‘yun in the upcoming games,” AJ said. 

(I just expect myself to continue doing whatever the right things and make up for my mistakes, adjust and correct whatever needs to be done in the upcoming games.) 

“I always bet on myself talaga since nung nasa province pa ako. I know maaabot at maa-achieve ko ‘yung mga gusto ko basta mag-work and prepare lang ako. ‘Yung mga nangyayari big moments thankful ako kay Lord na dahil talaga sa kanya eh. It’s being blessed lang talaga,” he added. 

(I always bet on myself ever since I was still in the province. I know I will accomplish and achieve whatever I set my mind to. I just have to work and prepare for it. I’m thankful to the Lord for letting me have the big moments, it’s all because of Him. It’s just really being blessed.) 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News