BY John Miles Arcenal
IT took two games of struggle before Rey Remogat finally found his groove in a University of the Philippines jersey - and fittingly, his breakout came on the day he faced his old alma mater.
“Dasal lang ako nang dasal, at naniwala ako kay Lord na darating din yung time na malalabas ko uli yung laro,” Remogat said after tallying a near-triple-double of 21 points, 11 assists, seven boards, and two steals in the Fighting Maroons' first win in UAAP Season 88 at the expense of University of the East.
READ: Finally, Remogat breaks out of slump as UP breaks into win column
“Siguro, God-willing na sa UE lumabas yung laro ko.”
After a 0-2 start for the defending champions, the 5-foot-10 guard looked locked in, as his shots - which had betrayed him in their first two outings - finally started to fall, pouring in 18 points in the first half alone.
“Noong nafi-feel ko na pumapasok, wala na akong iniisip na iba kundi tumira nang tumira,” he said.
And when the Red Warriors' defense started to focus on him come the second half, Remogat adjusted by making plays for his teammates for a total of eight dimes.
“Nung halftime, sinabi ni coach na for sure ido-double team ako,” he recalled of shot-caller Goldwin Monteverde's words of wisdom back inside the dugout.
“Kaya in-adjust ko sarili ko, mas binigyan ko ng importansya yung space ng teammates ko. Swerte rin ako kasi na-shoot nila yung pasa ko.”
From Warrior to Maroon
For the 21 year old, the game was more personal than usual, as he played in front of the same fans who once cheered him, even admitting he felt goosebumps singing the UE hymn again for the first time since Season 86.
“Sobrang grateful ako. Ang sarap makita uli silang nanonood. Pero ngayon kasi, ‘pag narinig ko, parang motivation sa’kin yun eh," he quipped about the red-and-white cheers.
"Dati kasi, parang nakakadagdag-energy. Ngayon, motivation yun para patahimikin sila eh.”
And now playing against his former running mate, Remogat relived the moment of once again sharing the floor with UE big Precious Momowei.
As he put it, “Na-miss kong maglaro talaga, lalo na kasama siya sa court. Pero siyempre, business is business na.”
With Remogat already finding his rhythm, it was proof that even through struggles, faith and persistence can bring a player back to life.
Still, he remained grounded, saying, “Sa’kin lang talaga, always kong ibibigay yung best ko and ilalaro ko kung ano lang talaga yung laro ko.”
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