FEU coach Nash Racela says Fil-Kiwi rookie Joseph Nunag has potential to be next Mike Tolomia

Far Eastern University (FEU) coach Nash Racela expressed high expectations for Filipino-New Zealander recruit Joseph Nunag, comparing the 19-year-old guard to former FEU star Mike Tolomia. Racela highlighted similarities in Nunag's attacking style and finishing ability, stating, "We see him as a future Tolomia," referencing the Season 78 UAAP champion. Upon learning of the comparison, Nunag expressed surprise but welcomed the aspiration, saying he aims to reach that caliber of play eventually.

Standing at 5-foot-11, Nunag joined FEU's Team B in June after attending Rangitoto College in New Zealand. Racela tempered expectations, noting Nunag requires development time due to his youth and limited experience: "He is very young... They are really young kids who have really good potential." Nunag relocated to the Philippines after failing to secure US college offers, seeking to build his basketball career at FEU.

Nunag praised Racela's coaching philosophy, emphasizing the team-oriented culture over individual stardom. However, he acknowledged the challenge of replacing six departing UAAP-eligible stars, viewing it as an opportunity rather than pressure: "It gives me a chance to step in, improve, and work on things I’m missing." He hopes the Filoil tournament will accelerate team growth to fill the void left by FEU's former core players.