As his lone UAAP season with the University of the Philippines draws near, Rainer Maga feels determined to make it a memorable one — especially alongside graduating guard Noy Remogat, whose collegiate journey closely mirrors his own.
Both Maga and Remogat transferred to the Fighting Maroons after breakout stints with the University of the East Red Warriors. Although they were not teammates at UE, Maga quickly formed a close bond with Remogat upon arriving in Diliman following UAAP Season 87.
“Since nung paglipat ko dito, si Noy yung nag-guide sa akin mula last year hanggang ngayon. Siya yung nagbibigay ng mga advice sa akin. Sobrang thankful lang din ako sa kanya,” said the 24-year-old Maga.
Remogat transferred to UP after Season 86, while Maga suited up for the Red Warriors in Season 87, which turned out to be his first and only campaign with the team.
As part of their buildup for the UAAP season in September, the Fighting Maroons will compete in the 2nd Asian University Basketball League Championship from August 2 to 9 at the Binjiang Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China.
There, UP will face some of the top university teams from China, Japan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Mongolia, and Australia.
For Maga, who hails from Davao City, overseas training camps and international competitions are invaluable in helping the Fighting Maroons grow, much like their recent training trip to Canada this June.
“For us as a team, great experience yung AUBL para sa upcoming UAAP namin para lahat kami maka-experience din ng iba’t ibang teams na malalakas abroad,” said the 6-foot combo guard.
“Sobrang malaking bagay sa amin yung tournament abroad kasi doon kami magji-jell as a team for the UAAP. Yung last trip namin sa Canada, sobrang helpful po yun sa amin kasi marami pong nangyaring maganda doon.”
Despite entering Season 89 as a newcomer to UP, Maga is also expected to embrace a leadership role as a one-and-done player. He hopes to continue developing that aspect of his game in the AUBL, where the Fighting Maroons have been drawn alongside Hakuoh University of Japan and Korea University.
The top two teams from each of the tournament’s four groups will advance to the knockout stage of the premier pan-regional intercollegiate basketball competition.
“As a player, gusto ko lang din ma-improve kung paano ko gagabayan yung mga mas bata sa akin, lalo yung rookies namin sa team. Gusto ko lang silang suportahan saka gabayan,” said Maga.
