After a three-year stint with the UE Red Warriors, foreign student-athlete Precious Momowei has officially bid Recto and the UAAP farewell.
The 6-foot-9 big man confirmed his departure on Friday with a heartfelt social media post.
“Thank you, University of the East. Being part of this team has been more than just basketball… It’s been family, growth, and memories that will last a lifetime,” Momowei said. “I’m proud of what we built together… Thank you for making these years special. I’ll always be proud to call myself part of this team.”
Momowei Was a Lone Bright Spot at Times
Since becoming part of the Red Warriors roster in Season 86, Momowei has been UE’s anchor on both ends of the floor, proving to be an integral part of the team’s rebuilding process, which was highlighted by a near Final Four berth in Season 87.
However, UE’s fortunes shifted in the following Season 88, as the Recto-based squad endured its second winless campaign in three years. Even through the losing, Momowei was still a shining star for the Red Warriors, as he posted MVP-like numbers of 16.8 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
His most career-defining moment, however, came in an overtime loss against La Salle, when he erupted for 42 points in another losing effort. Momowei’s 42 was the most points scored in a UAAP game since fellow Red Warrior Alvin Pasaol’s 49-point performance in Season 80.
Woe for the Red Warriors
Momowei, according to reports, is headed to the UCAL (Universities and Colleges Athletic League) by way of the CEU Scorpions. The Scorpions have been the UCAL’s standard-bearers, winning the title in three of the league’s seven seasons. With the addition of a high-caliber big man like Momowei, expect CEU to level up even more and continue its run of success.
UE, on the other hand, is facing the opposite: another losing season and a fractured basketball program with no clear pathway back to relevance. And if Momowei’s departure wasn’t enough, the Red Warriors also lost Nico Mulingtapang, who had earlier announced he was leaving UE in favor of joining the NCAA. Earlier in Season 88, another Red Warrior, John Abate, left the team even with the season still ongoing.
