AFTER the stage exit of the ‘Maroon 5,’ the jury is still out on who would take the wheel for the University of the Philippines moving forward.
Of course, it could be argued the keys to the Diliman squad should be given to Rey Remogat, who not only serves as one of the Fighting Maroons' most potent playmakers, but also one of their few seniors alongside Gani Stevens and Chicco Briones.
But does Remogat actually view himself as the de-facto head of the snake for new-look State U?
The answer is a resounding no.
“Unang-una, hindi ko nilalagay sa isip ko na team ko na 'to,” he answered when asked about his greater responsibilities heading into UAAP Season 89. “Laging sinasabi sa sarili ko na team namin 'to."
Instead, Remogat emphasized he is merely one of the leaders of the maroon-and-green, and by the looks of his eight points, 11 assists, two rebounds, and two steals in their second straight win in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, he’s taking his 'QB1' duties seriously.
“Ngayon, ginagawa ko pa rin yung role ko and responsibility ko as a point guard. Lagi ko sinasabi sa kanila na mas madali kami mananalo if we play as a team talaga,” he said.
Cavalry has come
Compared to last season, Remogat now has freeer rein to facilitate, especially without all of longtime steady hands Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Reyland Torres, and Janjan Felicilda.
The good news for UP is that it's been so far, so good for their unquestioned lead guard, who is already putting on full display his chemistry with talented transferees Veejay Pre and James Payosing.
In particular, the 'Eastern Conference-'bred tandem of Remogat and Pre has been an working wonders through three games in the preseason tourney.
“Hangga't maaari kasi, ngayong offseason, bini-build ko yung relationship ko sa kanila off the court. Para at least on the court, hindi na mahirap yung pag-uusap,” Remogat, who came to the Fighting Maroons by way of University of the East, said of this new 1-2 punch with Pre, the former Rookie of the Year from Far Eastern University.
“Ito na yung process ng bini-build ko yung relationship sa kanila. Kahit na alam mo yung mata lang, alam na yung gagawin. Kaya sinasabi ko sa kanila na magtiwala sila sa akin and hahanapin ko sila,” he added.
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