UAAP: Former UE stars thrilled to see Red Warriors regain competitiveness

MANILA, Philippines — Previous College of the East stars Paul Lee, Roi Sumang, and Rey Suerte are pleased to see the latest Pink Warriors increase from cellar dwellers to a tough-combating squad in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball event.

Lee, who past introduced UE to the Finals in Period 72–which was also the very last time the university reached the postseason  below the late coach Lawrence Chongson–was at courtside with fellow alumni including RR De Leon as the Crimson Warriors pushed defending winner College of the Philippines to the limit before yielding an 84-77 reduction on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“It feels superior to be again. I believe they’re for authentic right now. When is the final time they gained again-to-back? I’m just content that our school is competing all over again. It would make me proud,” reported Lee, who plays for Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA, in Filipino.

“I’m content to lastly have the time to observe them. I was supposed to pay a visit to them for the duration of the pep rally, the place the alumni confronted the present-day UE players. But we experienced follow (at Magnolia) that time,” he included.

Suerte, a 1-and-just one for UE last Season 82 the place he served the crew finish with four wins, was delighted with how the Pink Warriors responded to his guidance after a -14 period previous April,

“We’re content to see UE profitable and fighting yet again immediately after past time (-14),” explained Suerte, who utilised to engage in with recent gamers Harvey Pagsanjan, Jojo Antiporda, Allan Beltran, and Abdul Sawat, in advance of remaining drafted into the PBA.

“I utilised to play with most of them. Each time I go to Gastambide to visit my good friends, I often explain to them that they definitely have to have to bounce back again this year right after what occurred in Season (84).”

And the Pink Warriors responded to Suerte’s tips, accomplishing their very first back-to-again wins, which includes a substantial upset on La Salle, for the to start with time considering the fact that his lone time a few decades back.

Competitive RECRUIMENT

For former UAAP mythical 5 member Sumang, UE’s wide improvement is mostly thanks t Jack Santiago’s technique and recruitment after landing brothers Kyle and Nikko Paranada, CJ Payawal, and Luis Villegas.

“I consider it is for the reason that of the recruitment. I think now the group has seven FilAms. And coach Jack truly has a fantastic process,” Sumang explained to the reporters in Filipino. “All the teams have a excellent system but it will boil down to how the players will fit. As they say, UE has the items and the gamers go the ball very well which is why they are winning. I’m joyful simply because my faculty is winning.”

Sumang, who satisfies it for NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA, is impressed with Kyle Paranada, whose sport reminds him of Lee.

“Galing. Iba yung basketball talaga. Parang si Paul (He’s superior. His basketball skills are different. He’s like Paul),” quipped the NorthPort guard.

Lee meanwhile, likes the prospective of Payawal, who drained back again-to-again clutch a few-tips to trim a 79-69 deficit into a 4-place activity, 79-75, with 29.8 seconds remaining right before they fell limited.

“I like the sport of Payawal. I viewed him perform towards Adamson. Whilst they missing, his recreation is genuinely clean. He doesn’t drive any pictures, he picks his spots. It’s awesome to look at a player like him who doesn’t need to consider a large amount of pictures. I’m rooting for that male and the full UE crew,” the Magnolia star stated.

UE coach Jack Santiago is grateful for the support of their alumni, serving as a huge strengthen in their bid to demonstrate that they belong in the UAAP.

“It’s heartwarming. Even through our practices, there are alumni serving to the staff, bringing some food for these youthful players. When I go to the athletics office environment, there are alumni inquiring for tickets previously. I’m amazed to see the crowd supporting us. I want to thank them also. It’s a massive help for the workforce to see the help of the neighborhood,” explained Santiago.

Irrespective of the reduction to UP, UE is sharing the fourth place with La Salle at 3-3. The Crimson Warriors wrap up their 1st-round campaign from the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Sunday at Ynares Center Antipolo.

“They have to do well in their remaining games. It’s far too early to notify if they will reach the Ultimate Four. They have to continue to keep working tough,” Suerte mentioned.

“Let’s just consider it one game at a time. These very last two game titles are a fantastic opportunity for them to gauge their stage. Since in the UAAP every single video game is critical, in particular this time there have been a large amount of upsets that occurred,” Lee echoed.

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