Taking over as the starting setter of Far Eastern University-DN Steel was never going to be an easy assignment for Rhodson Du-ot.
With Ariel Cacao and Benny Martinez no longer in the picture, the third-year playmaker found himself tasked with filling a significant void for a Tamaraws squad accustomed to competing for UAAP championships after back-to-back Finals appearances.
The transition initially came with its share of uncertainty. But what began as a daunting challenge has gradually turned into an opportunity for Du-ot to establish himself as FEU’s new floor general.
The former UAAP Boys Best Setter admitted that he needed time to shake off his doubts, particularly during the early stages of the team's offseason campaign.
“Siguro nung unang mga games namin sa V-League, may duda pa. Pero nung nakuha ko na ‘yung rhythm ko, wala na,” he shared.
Since then, Du-ot has steadily grown into the role, gaining confidence in his decision-making and developing a better understanding of how to orchestrate the Tamaraws' offense.
That newfound composure has become particularly valuable as FEU pushes for a semifinal berth in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
The Tamaraws improved to a 5-2 record after delivering a commanding 25-15, 25-16, 25-17 sweep of 3B at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Wednesday.
Du-ot played a key role in the victory, dishing out 12 excellent sets while contributing four points to FEU's balanced offensive attack.
More than his numbers, however, the young setter's growing command of the court reflects how far he has come since first inheriting the responsibility.
He credited the coaching staff for helping him navigate the adjustment, emphasizing how their guidance and continued confidence in his abilities have allowed him to play with greater conviction.
“Sa ngayon siguro, masasabi ko na 100-percent na ‘yung tiwala ko sa sarili ko dahil sa tulong din ng mga coaches sa pag-guide sa'kin, kaya buo ‘yung tiwala ko sa sarili ko,” said the FEU-Diliman product.
His progress also traces back to the Tamaraws' campaign in the V-League Collegiate Challenge, where FEU reached the Finals. The tournament gave Du-ot valuable opportunities to gain experience, develop chemistry with his teammates, and learn from the demands of leading a collegiate squad.
Those lessons have since carried over to the Spikers’ Turf, providing him with a stronger foundation as he continues to settle into his responsibilities.
“Ayun nga, malaking tulong sa’kin, sa’min ‘yung mga offseason na games. Sabi nga ni Coach Ed (Orcullo) kanina, para alam na kami kung nasan na kami banda,” he said.
For head coach Eddieson Orcullo, Du-ot's development is an important part of preparing FEU for its future UAAP campaigns.
The veteran mentor expressed confidence in his young setter's readiness, stressing that the next step is to strengthen his connections with the rest of the squad and establish the right leadership dynamic both on and off the court.
“Ready. Ready na talaga. Kasi whether we like it or not, kailangan talagang mai-ready natin ‘to, ma-set natin ‘yung tone niya. Na talagang ‘yung connection sa bawat isa, kailangan magkaroon ng harmonious relationship dun sa inside and outside the court.”
