Before the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Tournament commenced, no one would have imagined that University of the East would be in contention for a Final Four ticket with a 3-4 record.
It is a credit to coach Jack Santiago, his staff, and their players for the incredible turnaround they are having after going 0-14 back in Season 84.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga boys na if you want to be in the Final Four, ito yung kailangan natin ma-overcome, yung mga teams like this,” said the Mapua University alumnus after his side’s 91-76 loss to Ateneo de Manila University. “We had a good second quarter but yun nga, coming to third quarter, maybe we had some lapses offensively. Also in defense, nagkaroon ng mga lapses down the stretch.
“Maybe (because) hindi masyadong pa built up ang confidence ng mga bata, parang hindi sila naka-recover nung nakalamang na Ateneo. I give credit sa Ateneo for playing well.”
With wins already over Far Eastern University, De La Salle University, and University of Santo Tomas, three historically successful schools in the UAAP, UE has undoubtedly overachieved so far this season.
The entry of new personnel has helped tremendously and opposing coaches are taking note of how hard it is to combat the Red Warriors. Indeed, the pride is back in the Recto school.
“Aside from the additional players like (Calvin) Payawal, Luis (Villegas), and (Gani) Stevens, nagkaroon kami ng enough time to practice,” said the former De La Salle University and Adamson University assistant.
“It helps the team a lot. Sabi ko nga sa mga bata, especially in social media right now, we give credit sa dalawang Paranada [Nikko and Kyle]. They are, right now, pinag-uusapan talaga.”
With the whole of the second round left to play, Santiago and his boys have so much to fight for. The Red Warriors haven’t made the Final Four since Season 72 when the likes of Paul Lee and Pari Llagas wore the red jersey.
This season represents a golden opportunity for UE to return to the postseason and they will do everything to take advantage of that.
“Hindi sila pwede maging complacent right now because the other teams are doing their job scouting players’ individual tendencies. Kailangan namin mag-double hard in terms of reading the defense na binibigay ng other teams,” said Santiago.
“Hopefully by second round, we’ve learned our lesson. Hopefully, my boys will adjust sa system ng laro ngayon. Hopefully we’ll have a good second round.”
