In an alternate universe, Precious Momowei could have been wearing green — anchoring the paint for De La Salle University, his self-confessed “dream school.”
But instead, the 6-foot-9 Nigerian center chose a different shade of red — the kind that bleeds through struggle, loyalty, and belief.
After moving out of Ateneo de Manila University in 2022, Momowei found a home at University of the East, then coached by Jack Santiago. He made his UAAP debut in Season 86, helping UE to a 4-10 record — a modest sixth-place finish, but one that showed glimpses of promise for a program starved of Final Four appearances since 2010.
Two seasons later, that promise has yet to bear fruit.
Under two head coaches and across 34 games, Momowei holds a 10-24 record in his UAAP career — and still, no trip to the Final Four.
Yet through all the frustrations, the roster changes, and the calls from bigger programs, he stayed.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“I mean, at first, I was with Ateneo, but things weren’t working out. So UE was like the only school that gave me an opportunity to play in the UAAP, which I’m really really grateful for,” Momowei told Tiebreaker Times on Wednesday evening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“At some point, La Salle was like knocking at the door, but I feel like I just had to stick with UE since everyone was just leaving. I thought that if everyone leaves UE, who is gonna play for them? That was just my mentality and I had to be here.”
Following Season 86, many of Momowei’s “brothers” — including Rey Remogat (now with UP), Josh Alcantara, Allen Maglupay, JM Tulabut, and John Manalang — moved on from the program.
For Momowei, that could have been the cue to chase brighter lights. Instead, he stayed to fight for the team that gave him his start.
That sense of pride was on full display in Season 87, when UE stunned La Salle in one of the biggest upsets of the tournament — a victory that seemed to validate Momowei’s faith in the program.
Fast forward to a year later, and even in heartbreak, the Red Warrior giant delivered another unforgettable performance.
Momowei exploded for a career-high 42 points in UE’s gut-wrenching 110-111 overtime loss to his “dream school.” He became the first student-athlete to breach the 40-point mark since Alvin Pasaol’s 49-point outburst — also in a loss to La Salle — back in Season 80.
Still, for Momowei, there was no bitterness.
Only gratitude.
“There’s absolutely no regrets — I love UE, I really wanna bring them to the Final Four and that has been my goal since Season 86,” he said.
“I think we got an opportunity in Season 87 but I was suspended against Ateneo. I think if I played against Ateneo, we would have stood a chance. But things happen for a reason, and I have no regrets staying at UE. I love UE, I love my teammates, and I love my school.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
With UE now winless through six games in Season 88 and riding a 12-game skid dating back to the second round of Season 86, Momowei knows the climb ahead won’t be easy.
But if his 42-point eruption is any indication, he’s not done fighting yet.
“I would just keep doing my thing,” he said. “Honestly, I’ve had a bad season and I haven’t been at my best ever since the first game against NU. I’ve been struggling offensively. But today, coach Chris just told me to go out there and do my thing.
“Win or lose, they will always have my back.”
And through every loss, every heartbreak, and every what-if — Momowei remains what he has always been for UE: loyal, unbreakable, and red through and through.
