MANILA – Zain Mahmood has confirmed his transfer to the Far Eastern University Tamaraws after spending a full UAAP season with the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.
In an interview with All-Star Magazine, Mahmood explained that he chose to transfer to the Tamaraws as he sees himself growing under the guidance of head coach Sean Chambers.
āI joined FEU for a multitude of reasons,ā Mahmood shared. āBut above all, the belief and faith I feel from coach Sean Chambers. He has the utmost faith in his players, and I believe that heās going to put me in a position to excel and do what I came here to do.ā
āAfter speaking with coach Sean I know Iāll be a part of all team activity despite not playing this year,ā he added. āBut Iām looking to get individual training as well as using the time to get my mind and body right to come in and be an immediate and heavy contributor. I came here to show what I got.ā
Mahmood stood out on the national stage as a member of the Philippinesā squad in the 2022 FIBA U-18 Asian Championship, where he posted averages of 11.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
He led the Maranatha High School in Pasadena, California to the playoffs while averaging 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per contest before he moved to the Philippines.
The Filipino-Pakistani cager struggled to find minutes in his rookie year with the Growling Tigers, but was part of the UST squad that finished runner up in the UAAP Season 87 men’s 3×3 basketball tournament.
āI think Iāve only gotten better since then,ā Mahmood said. āThat kid who was out there isnāt the same person I am now. Iāve matured in physical and mental stature, and improved and worked on my game. All I need is a platform where I can display what I got.ā
Mahmood will need to serve the UAAP’s one-year residency rule but is expected to be a cornerstone for the Tamaraws for two more seasons./PN
