WHAT a difference a season can make for University of the East, which has made the transformation from cellar dweller to title contender.
After finishing at the bottom of the standings a year ago, the Warriors suddenly found themselves among the favorites in Season 76 of the UAAP after winning the championship of the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup preseason tournament at the expense of powerhouse National University.
Instead of playing down the title favorite tag, UE coach Boycie Zamar said hopefully his Warriors would be able to live up to expectations.
“We love the challenge, we love the pressure,” he said. “Kung lalayuan mo 'yan, nothing will happen and once we get through of course we are more ready than they are.”
Led by hotshot Roi Sumang and able back-ups Lord Casajeros, Chris Javier, John Noble, rookie Gino Jumao-as and foreign player Charles Mammie from Sierra Leone, the Warriors are indeed, looking good enough to contend for the title they last won in 1985 yet.
“This (UAAP) is the real war,” said Zamar. “Natapos 'yung battle with the Filoil preseason tournament, this is the real war coming on June 29.”
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