Luis Villegas has been a key factor in University of the East’s turnaround in UAAP men’s basketball.
From a winless Season 84, the Red Warriors are off to a 3-2 start in Season 85, with wins over De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, and University of Santo Tomas.
The presence of the 6-foot-8 Filipino-American has been consistent in all of UE’s matches, averaging 14.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2 steals, and 0.8 blocks.
And having Villegas, it’s an “advantage” for the Red Warriors according to to head coach Jack Santiago.
“Kasi si Luis he can play like a wing guy. I would say it’s an advantage for us. Like kanina, I put him in the three-spot and we played a 2-3 zone,” said the second-year UE tactician.
The one-and-done stretch four was crucial anew in their 78-68 win over the Growling Tigers on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
He posted a double-double of 17 points, 12 in the second half, and 13 rebounds to go with six assists and three steals in 35:30 of play.
“I’m grateful for my teammates.
“The first half was a tough shooting half for me but they were just persistent with me and telling me keep going, keep playing my game, let the game come to me and it worked out,” he said.
Despite his numbers though, Villegas admitted that he’s still adjusting to the UAAP style of ball.
And on Wednesday, he will face another tough challenge in Carl Tamayo, Zavier Lucero, and defending champion University of the Philippines.
“It has lived up to the hype. It’s not an easy league to play in. Every team is competitive and the physicality is real,” said Villegas out of California State University Stanislaus, a Division II school.
“Just getting used to it, been a little bit difficult but I feel like it’s a better transition but for sure, a tough league.”
