THIS time it’s more personal for Precious Momowei.
It’s an all-time low for the University of the East in the UAAP Season 88 as not only did it end up with another disappointing end to the tournament, the Red Warriors finished winless – going 0-14 for the tournament.
It was Momowei’s first winless season and UE’s second in five seasons, leaving the Nigerian lost for words in describing what he feels.
READ: FEU ties bow on top of UE's second winless season in four years
“This is so f—ing heartbreaking. There is not so much to say, honestly. Coming into this season, I thought like we had a chance, you feel me. It's embarrassing, it's heartbreaking, [and] it's hard. Not just for me, but for the school and the fans,” he said.
“But. I also think on the other side, this is also like a motivation to come back next year and work hard.”
But before thinking about any plans for next year, the Nigerian big man raised reservations about returning to the Recto squad.
“Right now, I don't know. I feel like I didn't do too much from my own part,” Momowei lamented.
While Momowei still has two playing years yet, the current UAAP transfer rules prevent from him playing for another school with the new rules taking away two playing years to those who'll move from one member school to another.
So with going to the pros his only option, Momowei will turn to his personal circle to determine if he leaves or stays with UE.
“Right now, I have to consult my family, my friends, my agent, and my close people. It’s a big decision, but right now I just feel the heartbreak,” he said.
“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But finishing zero for [14] was never on my [mind]. But it is what it is I guess. Just gotta learn from it.”
Rough transition
Aside from the struggle to clinch wins, Momowei also had a hard time with his new assignment as co-captain, a responsibility their new head coach Chris Gavina bestowed upon him.
“I feel like I didn't do too much on my own part. Honestly, this is my only season that Coach Chris made me a co-captain. I have never done this before,” he said.
While no doubt their best player most of the time, Momowei was also one of their most ill-tempered, even earning suspensions in his first two seasons.
Unfortunately, going from that to being one of the pillars of leadership under Gavina’s new regime wasn’t the smoothest transition for Momowei.
“I have never led a team before. So that's so much pressure already because being a captain. You have to lead, you have to win, and you have to get everyone together. [And] I think I didnt do much of that on and off the court.”
With Momowei currently unsure as they also deal with the departures of John Abate and Dray Caoile, UE’s dark days might persist a little longer even beyond next season.
What is for sure, though, is that Momowei’s impact of 16.62 points, 9.69 rebounds, and 1.64 blocks this season will surely be needed.
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