On Sunday afternoon, Adamson University and University of the East gave the UAAP a match to remember.
Exchanging blows until the very end, the final buzzer sounded with the Soaring Falcons spreading their wings wide in celebration.
They had secured a playoff against Ateneo de Manila University for the fourth spot in the Final Four after a last-second Matthew Montebon triple capped off an incredible battle.
As Adamson celebrated their momentary victory, Rey Remogat, the Red Warriors’ blossoming sophomore, walked over to the Adamson bench and greeted Adamson senior Jerom Lastimosa with a smile.
On one side stood a young point guard coming off what was by far the best season of his career, entering his UAAP prime.
On the other, a UAAP legend set to leave his nest at the end of the year after six long years of unforgettable service to his school.
In front of thousands watching what could have been Lastimosa’s final appearance as a Falcon, he and Remogat exchanged jerseys and posed for the limelight.
“Kasi si Kuya Jerom lagi ko rin siya kausap eh, kahit nung injured pa siya nung offseason.
“Lagi ko siyang china-chat na, ‘Kuya, sabay ako sa iyo, sa mga skills training mo. Kuya, baka puwede akong matutunan.’ Alam mo iyon? So last game sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Kuya, baka puwede maka-arbor ng jersey mo.’ So sabi niya, palit kami bukas. So after ng game, nagpalit kami,” explained Remogat after playing out his final game of the UAAP season.
Lastimosa has long been one of Remogat’s idols, even back when the UE guard rode the bench back in Season 85.
Remogat would watch in awe as the shifty 5-foot-10 guard masterfully commanded the Adamson offense with his endless variety of dribble moves and veteran playmaking skills that go far beyond any regular collegiate-level guard.
Watching guys like Lastimosa carve out UAAP defenses for years played a big role in Remogat’s growth. Remogat liked to not just mimic, but improve upon the moves of his idols.
“Isa siya sa mga tinitingala ko na player eh.
“Mga tinitingala ko na player yung mga ginagaya ko ng moves at experience, sina RJ Abarrientos, at siya si Kuya Jerom. Isa siya sa mga tinitingnan ko kung ano yung mga puwede kong gayahin sa kanya, puwede kong iimprove na ginagawa nila,” Remogat shared.
Remogat’s efforts to perfect his own game led him to a massive breakout year in Season 86. And he capped it off with a near triple-double of 16 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists against Lastimosa’s squad.
While Remogat celebrated his impressive season, he simultaneously mourned the loss of the opportunity to play against his idol in Lastimosa’s final season.
Lastimosa had been sidelined for most of the season with an ACL injury. The senior Adamson guard failed to suit up in both of the Falcons’ games against the Red Warriors.
His injury robbed UAAP fans from ever experiencing an epic duel between two great UAAP point guards – one on the come-up in his career, and the other at his peak and on the way out.
Though remorseful, Remogat refused to lose hope in a battle against Lastimosa in their primes. He hopes it could happen in the future outside of the collegiate leagues.
“Kaya nga sayang eh, sayang. Siguro hindi man sa UAAP, pero soon sa abroad sana.”
UE is set to enter a long offseason as Remogat and the rest of the Red Warriors retool for next season.
Lastimosa and the Falcons, on the other hand, have at least one more game ahead of them. They will play against the defending champions Ateneo de Manila University for a Final Four spot.
