Despite having an ‘all-star’ cast of recruits from all around the country, first-year UE head coach Karl Santos faced one problem — chemistry.
And it showed throughout their campaign in the UAAP Season 86 Boys’ Basketball Tournament.
Whenever they experienced highs, the young Warriors would find themselves in lows.
The most painful of losses that dashed their Final Four hopes was a defeat at the hands of the lowly University of the Philippines Integrated School.
But Santos has no regrets.
After all, this was part of the process.
“Sayang. May mga games kami na sabi namin na babalikan namin but this is a learning process. Talagang no shortcuts. Sayang lang talaga na sana nagkaroon pa kami ng mas mahabang oras na mag-bond,” the youthful head coach shared.
“But again, kahit ito yung resulta na nakuha namin, this is not yet the end of the road.”
UE ended its campaign with a 6-8 record — still a three-win improvement from their performance last year.
Seven student-athletes are graduating, namely Joaquim De Leon, Mark Jade Sarza, Erlance Pedrita, James Malonzo, Jaden Datumalim, Jhed Suria, and Ethan Gammad.
“Masaya at sobrang proud ako sa teammates ko. Binigay namin yung best namin at naglaro kami ng may puso talaga. Pinagtrabahuan talaga namin na matapos yung season na ito ng panalo,” said De Leon, who finished with five points and seven assists in UE’s 77-61 win over Ateneo last Sunday.
“Tutulungan pa rin namin sila na makapaglaro pa rin sila sa college. Happy ako sa pinakita ng team namin at no regrets,” added Santos.
Next season, there will be pressure on Santos to end UE’s now 22-year Final Four drought.
But with the likes of Edry Alejandro and Lance Sabroso returning, plus the addition of their key recruits, Santos is confident that they can reach that goal.
“Madami kaming players sa under-16 team namin. Expectations will be higher at yung mga aakyat, hindi na sila mag-aadjust dahil matagal na sila sa UE,” said Santos.
“Gusto na namin i-break yung struggle na hindi kami nakapag-Final Four. We will do whatever it takes to break that next year and also aim for the championship.”
