The University of the East basketball program has been struggling for the better part of the 2000s.
In the men’s division, the Red Warriors last made the Final Four back in 2009. Under Derrick Pumaren’s watch, UE never made the Final Four, compiling a 21-35 record.
The same could not be said about the Junior Warriors.
After winning the UAAP Championship back in Season 64, the Juniors Basketball Team of UE has not made the Final Four. Their best finishes during the last 16 years were coming in fifth place twice, back in Seasons 70 and 72. During the 80th Season of the UAAP, they finished dead last with a 2-12 record.
That is why team manager Bong Tan, son of school owner Lucio Tan, personally talked to decorated High School head coach Goldwin Monteverde to take over the program.
“Siya mismo nakipag-usap kay Goldwin,” said a school official, who asked not to be named.
“Confident kami na maiaangat niya yung basketball program namin.”
With this, Monteverde will have to leave Nazarene School of National University after just one season. Tiebreaker Times’ sources added that he will bring his staff to UE. The Bullpups are currently waiting for their semifinals opponent in the UAAP Season 80 Juniors Basketball stepladder.
Moreover, recruiting players will not be a problem for UE, as Monteverde is still in charge of high school powerhouse Chiang Kai Shek College and still has his pool of student-athletes from the Adamson Baby Falcons back in the 78th season of the UAAP.
