MANILA, Philippines – During the preseason leading to UAAP Season 81, quite a few coaches note: “Meron na tumatawag ng play sa UE.”
Take what you want from that. While the University of the East Red Warriors still finished dead last with a 1-13 record, there was change. The recruiting program began and there were some good coaches in place and all from winning programs and who all have championships.
Before we continue, let’s take a look at some of the roster changes.
Key losses: Mark Maloles, Jason Strait, Alvin Pasaol, Brian Lacap, Wil Bartolome, JC Cullar, Jason Varilla, Rey Acuno, Shannon Gagate.
Key additions: Cesafi MVP Rey Suerte, former Ateneo Blue Eagle John Apacible, former Arellano University Junior Chief Kobe Camacho, former Hope Christian High School star Harvey Pagsanjan, Richie Rodger, Neil Tolentino, Jan Natividad, Alex Diakhite.
It sounds like an exciting lineup, one that could compete. Whether the Warriors make it deep into the tourney is anyone’s guess because you have to wonder about the collective experience of playing together and big games at that.
But all that is being undermined by some inside maneuvering. All of a sudden, team manager Lawrence Chongson is calling the shots in place of second year coach Joe Silva, who has been massive in recruiting these players. That is terrible, and reports about the boys not responding are plain hogwash. Maybe one holdover who has been petulant throughout his career, but most of these allegations are bunk.
One player who was supposed to suit up for this team left because of what was happening to join another UAAP team (he didn’t like the meddling going on).
From what I am told, UE officials submitted Silva’s name to the UAAP as their head coach for the season. I am also told that things will come to a head this weekend as school officials will sort out this mess (I am told that many are backing Silva). So let us see what happens.
Just when we were about to say that the sick man of the UAAP is getting better, then the controversy level goes up by 100%.
It is a shame because on paper, this team can compete. They have a 6’9” inside force in Diakhite. They have low post players, guys who can score, and guys who can stop an opponent.
The question is, how do they perform in spite of this turmoil? And will it affect them? Let’s watch the season play out.