The UE Red Warriors are in the midst of an ignominious stretch, having missed the Final Four in hoops for 16 straight seasons. UAAP Season 88 might have been rock bottom, as the team went winless with rookie head coach Chris Gavina in charge.
This Red Warriors squad is looking not only to bounce back, but also to change the UE culture. And, according to Gavina, it starts with nurturing a belief mindset that emphasizes behind‑the‑scenes hard work.
“We nurtured a belief mindset that those who sweat more in training bleed less in battle,” Gavina told Rebanse in an interview during the UAAP Season 89 presser on Monday. “I love that quote… Our guys have really bought in. Now, we’re ready to allow our work speak on our behalf.”
Gavina Identifies UE Players Who Will Lead the Way
Those are certainly fighting words from Gavina. The problem is UE will be without four key players from last season: big man Precious Momowei, who took his talents to the CEU Scorpions in the UCAL; standout wing John Abate, who left the team near the end of Season 88; and guards Wello Lingolingo and Nicolo Mulingtapang, who both jumped ship to the NCAA.
These departures, however, have opened doors for other Red Warriors to take the lead, and the second‑year coach knows exactly who are ready for the challenge.
“One of them would most likely be our captain, DJ [Daryll] Robles. He’ll be stepping into a new leadership role,” Gavina pointed out when asked about the players whom he believes will step up for UE. “Our newly acquired one‑and‑done player, Kobe Vasquez, and then two of our returnees, Drew [Johndrew] Jimenez and Topey [Kristopher] Lagat, will all play pivotal roles in our success this season.”
Needless to say, the pressure’s on Gavina, Robles, Vasquez, and company to push UE back to respectability. Making the Final Four could be the ultimate goal, but after a winless Season 88, a couple of wins should be a step in the right direction.
