The off-season build-up leading into the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament has been nothing short of difficult for University of the East.
The Red Warriors faced significant challenges, most notably the departure of their ace guard, Noy Remogat, who transferred to University of the Philippines.
Compounding this loss, four more Warriors – Josh Alcantara, Allen Maglupay, JM Tulabut, and John Manalang – also left the program.
In the face of these departures and the uncertainty surrounding the future of UE’s basketball program, third-year shooter Wello Lingolingo made a steadfast decision to remain with the team.
Lingolingo’s patience and trust in both the program and head coach Jack Santiago are now starting to bear fruit.
His commitment was particularly evident during a pivotal game, where he played a crucial role in the Red Warriors’ stunning victory over the reigning champion De La Salle University on Sunday.
“Thankful ako kasi nakuha namin yung panalo today and winork hard naman namin ito. We work as a team lang tsaka tiwala kay coach,” the sniper from Lanao Del Norte expressed.
Lingolingo’s journey in basketball has been notable. During the UAAP Season 86 Men’s 3×3 Basketball Tournament, he led the Red Warriors to a silver-medal finish, averaging 7.5 points per game, with a remarkable 2.37 two-point makes per contest.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Now, he is showcasing his perimeter shooting abilities on the 5-on-5 stage.
Against La Salle, Lingolingo poured in 18 points, shooting an efficient 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. And his hot hands helped UE secure its second consecutive win and a 2-2 record while handing the Green Archers their first loss of the season.
“Inassign talaga ako ni coach as a shooter so every time na I catch the ball, if it’s wide open, I’m gonna take it. Hindi naman ako pinagbabawalan ni coach na tumira, so I have the green light to shoot that kind of shot,” he revealed.
Moreover, Coach Santiago is not only relying on Lingolingo’s sharpshooting from long range. He also depends on Lingolingo’s leadership qualities as a co-captain in a young and revamped Red Warriors squad.
This leadership role comes as no surprise, given that Lingolingo is the lone remaining player from UE’s special Season 85 squad, which concluded with a 5-9 record but was highlighted by a remarkable sweep of La Salle in the elimination round.
“Last year kasi, we had a lot of players pa, like yung mga lumipat. So right now, siya na yung lumalabas na one of the veterans doon sa team,” Santiago noted.
“Aside from that, he’s the co-captain ng team. Talagang binibigyan ko siya ng go signal. As long as it’s a good shot and he’s not forcing anything, he will make that shot.”
