JOHN Abate has played his last game in the collegiate ranks.
The Fil-Am swingman announced his painful decision to abruptly end his run for the University of the East in the ongoing UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.
“A warrior is taught to persevere, to fight even when the odds are against him, and to honor the place he calls home,” he posted on his Instagram account on Sunday.
READ Winless UE at risk of losing John Abate for rest of season
“My journey with UE may have been short, but has left a mark on me that I’ll carry for life. I hope that through my time here, you’ve seen not just the player, but the person I’ve matured into, one built on pride, grit, and love for this family and the game. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for EVERYTHING.”
Abate suffered a fractured nose during practice on an inadvertent hit by teammate Precious Momowei on Friday. That sidelined him in the Red Warriors’ 70-61 loss to University of the Philippines on Saturday which sent the Recto side to their 11th defeat for the season - and 17th straight dating back to last year.
He was averaging 16.2 points on 35-percent shooting from threes, on top of 4.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.9 steals in 33 minutes of play in 10 games for UE this year.
The 6-foot-1 Abate spent two seasons with the Red Warriors after initially going to La Salle and University of Santo Tomas. Although wins were hard to come by, he has shown capabilities of taking over on the offensive end, as seen with his performance this year where he ranks No. 4 in scoring and No. 6 in three-point percentage.
The injury has also forced the UE co-captain to put everything in perspective, stating: “Having that captain’s title was never about being above anyone, but about standing beside my brothers, pushing each other, and growing together. The memories, the long practices, the wins and tough losses, and the moments of pure joy are the things I’ll hold onto forever.”
“When the games don’t go your way, remember that you are so much more than basketball players. This sport is what we do, but it’s not all that we are. One bad game or one rough season doesn’t define you. Keep your heart in it, keep learning, and trust in God that your path will take you where you’re meant to be on God’s timing, not yours.”
Abate also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the red tribe, saying, “To the entire UE community, my teammates, and everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you for the love and support through every high and low. It’s been an honor to wear the red and white and to fight beside my brothers. No matter where life takes me next, a part of my heart will always belong to this family.”
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