BY Rickie Santos
Not too long ago, things were not looking rosy for University of the East coach Jack Santiago.
Back in April 4, 2022, Santiago was slapped a two-game suspension for what then-UAAP commissioner Tonichi Pujante said was the former's instructions to hurt Ricci Rivero during the Red Warriors game against the University of the Philippines.
Making Season 84 more forgettable for Santiago, UE ultimately finished with an atrocious 0-14 record.
In the next two seasons, the Red Warriors submitted records of 5-9 and 4-10, both only good for placing sixth in the eight-team field.
Fast forward to now, and just a month before UAAP hostilities re-opened, UE played in the FJCU Cup tourney in Taipei. Still, there were not many reasons for Red Warriors fans to smile.
Ateneo, on the other hand, wound up winless in other preseason tournaments held in Manila, but were crowned FJCU Cup champions at the Red Warriors' expense.
It appeared there was nothing to look forward to in Season 87 for the red and white, as preseason projections had UE near the tail end of different rankings.
Once the season got going, the hoopsters from Recto took on University of Santo Tomas and UP in their first two games - and as expected, UE brought the rear at 0-2.
Not too quick, not too shabby
But lo and behold, perhaps coach Jack whispered the magic words right into the ears of his wards.
Since that loss to the Fighting Maroons, it has looked like Santiago has fielded a new team that’s on a mission. From back-to-back losses, the Red Warriors have yet to go down in defeat.
One by one, FEU, La Salle, National U, and Ateneo fell to UE. Now, it's in solo third at 4-2 ahead of closing it's first round with a face-off with Adamson on Sunday.
What has been the difference?
READ: Coach Jack Santiago always believed UE can - so UE did
The Red Warriors said Santiago gave everyone the license to shoot and as such, they were just repaying the trust given to them by their coach.
Precious Momowei, arguably the best foreign student-athlete in the land, leads UE scorers with 11.17 points per game, tied for seventh among all comers.
READ: Precious Momowei dominant for UE - in everything else but points
Other significant offensive weapons are Wello Lingolingo (10.17 ppg), John Abate (9.33), Ethan Galang (7.4), Gjerard Wilson (7.14), and Rain Maga (6.83).
The Red Warriors' long-range bombers are also ruling the leaderboard. Lingolingo is currently No. 1 in average threes made with 2.5 per game, while Maga is numero uno in 3-point percentage, shooting at an eye-popping 54.55-percent from beyond the arc.
As a team, UE is ranked fourth in points scored at 63.83 per game - and they are impressive in a couple of categories, as well.
The Red Warriors, in all, are second in 3-point accuracy, their 31.11% behind only UP’s 32.5%. They are also tops in free throw attempts on average (23.83) and makes in total (89).
Coach Jack believes he now has the materials on hand with the right chemistry, enough to forget the transfers of Kyle Paranada, Gani Stevens, and Rey Remogat to other schools.
READ: Former UE star Remogat knew 'Rain' was coming for UE Warriors
When the Red Warriors subdued defending champion La Salle two weeks ago, they proved that they can play with powerhouse teams and win.
Without a doubt, that was a big confidence boost for UE.
Now on a four-game winning streak, Santiago can be seen always displaying those pearly whites. He challenged his players and all responded positively.
Coach Jack, forget all bad luck and heartbreaks. So far, all the hard work is paying off.
Take a bow. You’re not on a hot seat anymore.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
