Last season, Noy Remogat had a late explosion for the University of the East.
Playing limited minutes in the Red Warriors’ first 12 games in UAAP Season 85, he left it all in the final two matches.
Remogat, a walk-on to the UE team, shocked Ateneo de Manila University with 21 points but eventually fell in overtime, 66-69.
He then proved it was no fluke as he dropped 24 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out three assists against De La Salle University in the next game, especially securing the win in their final match, 80-72.
In Season 86, the year when UE was hosting the collegiate league, Remogat was ready to bask in the limelight throughout the entire tournament with new skills in his repertoire.
“Sobrang sarap po sa feeling na makabalik uli ng UAAP, lalo na’t alam kong ang huling dalawang laro ko ay medyo nakakabitin,” said Remogat after leading the Red Warriors to an 80-70 win over the University of Santo Tomas on Saturday.
“Naipakita ko na hindi lang ako panghuli, kaya ko rin makauna.”
Remogat was front and center in UE’s victory, marking their first opening game win since Season 77. The combo guard showed he’s more than just a scorer, finishing with 21 points, 10 assists, and three steals in 33 minutes and 50 seconds of action.
Confidence for the sophomore guard is sky-high, as his head coach, Jack Santiago, expressed that this year would be special for Remogat.
“Given naman ‘yan eh. Lagi kong sinasabi kay Noy na this will be a big season for him, considering na last year, parang backup lang siya. Pero ngayon, siya talaga ang mukha ng team,” said Santiago, who is now in his third season of handling the Red Warriors.
“Masaya lang ako para sa kanya kasi lagi kong sinasabi sa kanya na it’s not only about points but also about how to manage the rest of the team, and he responded well, considering he achieved a double-double today. Hopefully, he will continue to do that.”
Remogat, who achieved his first-ever double-double performance in the league, has been taking notes from UE legend Paul Lee during the past offseason.
Lee, who led the Red Warriors to runner-up finishes in Seasons 70 and 72, practiced with UE during its preparation for the UAAP. He also provided mentoring.
“Dati kasi nung offseason, thrice a week lagi siyang nakikisabay sa training, at kapag nakikitraining siya sa amin, lagi niya kaming tinuturuan na ang point guard ay dapat matured sa court, at alam mo kung kailan ka dapat iiskor at alam mo rin kung kailan ka dapat magpasa,” shared Remogat.
“Yun yung laging ko natatandaan kay Kuya Paul na sinabi niya sa amin.”
“Si Paul Lee kasi, nakakatulong sa team. Sumasama siya sa aming practice. Parang assistant coach na rin siya na nagbibigay ng payo sa mga players, kaya’t nagpapasalamat kami kay Paul,” added Santiago.
