Out of the eight UAAP member schools, only University of the East was unable to submit a 20-man roster.
And it was for a reason beyond their control.
The Red Warriors’ supposed 20th man was Joshua Alcantara, a rookie from San Beda-Taytay.
The 6-foot-1 guard had to undergo shoulder surgery last month following a diagnosis with a Bankart lesion.
“Josh Alcantara was supposed to be in our lineup but he had shoulder surgery,” said first-year UE head coach Jack Santiago.
Santiago is optimistic that the former Red Cub will return in time for Season 85, though.
Meanwhile, the Red Warriors will parade an all-Filipino team for Season 84.
Headlining the team are holdovers from Season 82 in Harvey Pagsanjan, Jojo Antiporda, Allan Beltran, Abdul Sawat, Leon Lorenzana, and Jem Cruz.
Rookie-veteran Orin Catacutan will make his UE debut, alongside Clint Escamis.
Completing the Red Warriors are Migs Pascual, Jann Cruz, Justine Guevarra, Jeremiah Soriano, Jeric Villanueva, Ivan Peralta, and brothers Nico and Kyle Paranada.
In as COVID reserves are Don Chan, Juan Tulabut, and Ryzel Abatayo.
UE will open its season against La Salle on Saturday at 7:00 PM.
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