As University of the East welcomed one of its legends back into the fold, it also bid farewell to two of its players on Friday.
Allan Caidic has joined the Red Warriors as a consultant, tasked with helping freshly-renewed head coach Chris Gavina steer the program back on track following a winless UAAP Season 88 campaign.
However, UE also confirmed the departures of big man Precious Momowei and guard Nico Mulingtapang.
Caidic, 62, is a Red Warriors icon who helped the school capture three UAAP championships in 1982, 1984, and 1985. He earned Most Valuable Player honors in each of those title runs.
(C) Waylon Galvez/Tiebreaker Times
He joins a coaching staff that includes fellow UE products Paulo Hubalde and KG Canaleta, along with Alex Cabagnot, Louie Vigil, and RJ Argamino under Gavina.
While Caidic’s return is a significant boost, the losses of Momowei and Mulingtapang represent a setback for the rebuilding program.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For the past three seasons, Momowei served as the anchor of the Red Warriors.
“Thank you University of the East, being part of this team has been more than just basketball…it’s been family, growth, and memories that will last a lifetime. Every practice, every game, every win and loss shaped us into stronger athletes and better people. I’m grateful for the brotherhood, the lessons, and the pride of wearing this jersey,” read Momowei’s post.
“I have always wanted to finish my playing years at UE or at least get a degree but I guess God has other plans for me.”
Last season, the 6-foot-9 native of Lagos, Nigeria, averaged 16.79 points, 13.79 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.43 blocks per game.
The 23-year-old center has exhausted his UAAP eligibility and can no longer transfer to another school in the league.
Momowei is expected to move to a UCAL school — particularly Centro Escolar University, coached by Joe Silva — according to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation. He will have two playing years remaining in the UCAL.
“This chapter may be coming to a close, but the impact of this team will last far beyond the court. We pushed each other, believed in each other, and left everything on the table,” added Momowei.
Former University of Batangas big man John Paul Mendy is expected to be the foreign student-athlete for UE in UAAP Season 89.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, Mulingtapang is a 6-foot point guard who also exited the UE program.
In his sophomore season, he averaged 3.82 points, 2.18 assists, and 1.64 rebounds per game.
The 21-year-old guard from San Antonio, Quezon, who is a product of Malayan High School, is not expected to transfer to another UAAP school, opting instead to return to the NCAA.
Mulingtapang will have three playing years left in the Grand Old League.
