University of the East has established itself as a powerhouse in both fencing and women’s judo.
The school’s fencing program has dominated the UAAP, sweeping the event for the past three years, while the women’s and girls’ judo teams have also showcased their prowess on the mat.
However, this dominance does not extend to the school’s basketball programs.
The Red Warriors, who boast 18 men’s basketball crowns, have struggled in recent years, failing to make the Final Four in 13 consecutive seasons.
Similarly, the boys’ basketball team has only made one Final Four appearance, which was back in UAAP Season 66 (2003), while the Lady Warriors are currently in the midst of a 40-game losing streak.
Enter Andrew Estrella, the head coach of the Junior Warriors under-16 team and a trusted deputy of UE high school basketball head coach Karl Santos.
For Estrella, rebuilding the UE basketball program starts with his junior team.
“Of course, we have the same goals sa junior at senior high school which is to win the championship,” he stated.
“So the program starts here and all throughout na yan. Hopefully, pati sa men’s.”
Currently, the Junior Warriors are enjoying an impressive 3-0 record in the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball Tournament, highlighted by a monumental 82-74 victory over the powerhouse FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws.
Estrella is optimistic that as more wins accumulate, they will attract top prospects to consider UE.
“Malaki siyang factor pero for me, ito ay para sa program namin. Hopefully, throughout the tournament, makakuha pa kami ng mas maraming panalo para mas maraming players ang pumunta sa program namin, hindi lang sa juniors kundi pati sa men’s and women’s teams—sa buong basketball program ng UE,” he explained.
Estrella, formerly part of the La Salle Green Hills program with Santos, emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation.
Thanks to the backing of Strong Group Athletes, the UE high school basketball program has attracted several blue-chip recruits.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Prospects like Ethan Aguas, Edry Alejandro, and Lance Sabroso have excelled, while transferees Gab Delos Reyes, Goodluck Okebata, and Kiefer Panganiban are beginning to carve out their own paths in the juniors ranks.
Despite the positive start, Estrella acknowledges that there is still a long way to go in the tournament. As victories continue to roll in, he hopes that his team maintains its hunger for success.
“It’s just three games. Yes, we have a good start pero we shouldn’t be complacent. I’m afraid of them being over-complacent, pero I know my boys, it’s one game at a time,” he remarked.
When asked what motivates him in pursuing his big dreams, Estrella succinctly replied with one word: “Passion.”
