Just two games into his debut with the University of the Philippines, 6-foot-7 big man Gani Stevens found himself on the other side of University of the East’s school hymn – a team he played for during the Red Warriors’ ‘special’ UAAP Season 85 run.
After an impressive rookie season with UE, Stevens transferred to the Fighting Maroons, aiming to bolster their young big men rotation following the departure of former MVP center Malick Diouf.
Stevens had averaged 9.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in his lone season with the Red Warriors. And he expressed deep appreciation for UE’s revamped roster, which only had Wello Lingolingo remaining as a former teammate.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“There’s a little bit something more [in facing UE] to that like you said, this is my former team,” the Filipino-American forward admitted.
“Even though I tried to keep this like a normal game, there’s definitely a little bit extra fire to me to perform well.”
He reflected fondly on his time with UE’s Season 85 squad.
“That Season 85 squad was special. You know, those are my brothers even off the court. Whether those guys are in the MPBL now, Luis [Villegas] is in the PBA, so we all keep contact because that team was super special,” he continued.
Having played under UE head coach Jack Santiago, who instills a ‘never say die’ mentality, Stevens wasn’t surprised by the Red Warriors’ late-game surge.
The quintet of Lingolingo, Nico Mulingtapang, John Abate, Ethan Galang, and Precious Momowei powered a furious comeback, trimming UP’s lead to 81-71 with 1:37 remaining.
And even if the fight fell short – with UE losing, 71-81 – Stevens isn’t surprised they pushed UP in the end.
“I played there, I know what coach Jack is like. He teaches us to never give up, even if we are down, we’re always going to fight back and make it a good game. So I’m definitely trying to keep that mindset here in UP,” the North Community High School Product shared.
