University of the East is one of the most decorated basketball programs in UAAP history.
The Red Warriors from Recto have amassed 20 UAAP basketball titles – fourth-most in the league’s storied 87-year history – including 18 men’s titles and two boys’ crowns.
However, before UAAP Season 87, UE’s last basketball title came all the way back in Season 48.
In the decades since, the school found success in other sports such as fencing and judo, but basketball glory remained elusive.
That long drought added immense pressure to UE’s basketball program, a responsibility fully understood by Junior Warriors 16-and-under head coach Andrew Estrella and coach Karl Santos when they took on the job.
“Hopefully, throughout the tournament, makakuha pa kami ng mas maraming panalo para mas maraming players ang pumunta sa program namin. Hindi lang sa juniors kundi pati sa men’s and women’s teams – sa buong basketball program ng UE,” said Estrella, outlining his vision for UE basketball’s resurgence.
For the young players of the Junior Warriors, the coaches’ vision was a key reason they chose UE.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Yung program na nilatag sa amin nila coach, very promising,” said Mesina, a core member of UE’s inaugural 16-and-under team that finished third in last May’s inaugural tournament.
“Nung nakipag-usap sila coach sa family ko, talagang nilatag nila yung program sa amin. Kaya sinabi ko sa parents ko na sa UE talaga gusto ko,” added 16-year-old forward Gab Delos Reyes, who transferred from San Beda Alabang.
The Junior Warriors lived up to their promise throughout the season, dominating their competition and suffering just one loss during the elimination round.
They carried their momentum into the playoffs, sweeping inaugural champion NUNS Bullpups in the Final Four to set up a championship showdown with the UST Tiger Cubs.
However, UE stumbled in Game 1 of the finals, falling 66-81.
It was a wake-up call for the young team, a moment that tested their resolve.
Mesina drew on their third-place finish from May as motivation to keep pushing forward.
Fueled by grit and determination, the Junior Warriors bounced back with a gritty 76-70 win in Game 2.
In the decisive Game 3, they delivered a commanding performance, cruising to a 78-47 victory and finally ending UE’s 39-year basketball title drought.
Title No. 21 was not just a victory for the young Warriors but for generations of UE students and alumni who had long waited for this moment.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Feels good. It feels great talaga lalo na nakikita namin yung saya ng classmates at teachers namin na masaya,” said Mesina.
“Iniisip namin lagi yung 39 years na walang championship yung UE. Sobrang daming sumusuporta sa amin, from students to faculty,” added Delos Reyes.
For Estrella, this championship marks a turning point for UE’s basketball program.
“Finally, after how many years. It’s important for the school and the program. As I’ve said before, this would be enough na puntahan kami ng mga players. All of the teams namin sa basketball, puntahan na.”
With their first title in nearly four decades, the Junior Warriors have not only restored pride to UE basketball but also laid a solid foundation for a brighter future.
The long wait is over, and the Warriors are ready to rise once more.
