“Matapang” and “matalino” are some of the vital qualities that students from the University of the Philippines are well known for. And for the UP Fighting Maroons last Saturday, Rey Remogat displayed both after averting a possible scuffle against some players of the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
For the Season 86 Mythical Five Awardee, his leadership is probably one of his most underrated skill sets.
Not Letting Emotions Get the Best of Them
The Fighting Maroons’ blowout victory had to be earned through a very physical battle that lasted all 40 minutes.
In the fourth quarter, with 6:29 remaining, UP’s Veejay Pre drove to the basket but was fouled hard by Ateneo’s Alden Paul Cainglet, prompting his teammates, Gani Stevens and Rainer Maga, to approach the Blue Eagle guard and engage in a verbal confrontation.
And when things were starting to look like a fight could ensue, Remogat immediately pulled his teammates away from the scene.
“Sinasabi ko lang sa kanila na every game is important talaga. So, ‘yung mga ganung sitwasyon kase pwede siyang madamay sa mga susunod na game kung sakaling lumala ‘yun,” Remogat told reporters after the game.
“Alam naman namin ‘yung mga tao na pinigilan ko kanina malalaking bagay din sa team namin na kapag nawala sila, malaking pagbabago ‘yung pwedeng mangyari,” he added.
Remogat’s Imprints Were All Over
In their second win of the season, Remogat finished with 14 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. More importantly, he continued to show his leadership for UP whenever he was on the court.
“Ako as a leader lang, ayoko mangyari ‘yun and at the same time gusto ko rin sabihin sa kanila na hindi mo pwedeng laging idaan sa ganung way ‘yung pagiging emosyon mo,” said Remogat.
Maga was called for a technical foul, which counted as his fifth foul of the game, while Stevens escaped the whistle. The Fighting Maroons came away with a decisive win against their Katipunan rivals to start the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament with back-to-back wins.
With the goal of winning a championship still in mind, more than just his scoring prowess, Remogat’s leadership is something the Fighting Maroons will bank on as the tournament progresses.
