warriors on the move

Losing to the blue eagles must have been as expected by every opponent. But for the red warriors? It was and forever will be a heartbreak. I am not studying in UE nor an alumnus but my family were. So, it sorta gives me a pinch of UE spirit.
I’ve been watching UAAP basketball since James Yap, Paul Artadi and Ronald Tubid up to Marcy Arellano, Mark Borboran and Mark Fampulme. Who would ever forget the 14-0 phenomenon? The Elmer Espiritu slamma-jammas? These were some of the highlights from the past that COULD HAVE BEEN MORE than just history. They have always been these ‘shadows’ to the bigger seeds in the UAAP. Always in the final 4 but ends up bagging just silver or bronze. When was the last time they won? Since Allan Caidic mid 80‘s? That was way too long. I guess that’s how the 24-year drought brought them to mere desperation. And I condole with them for that.
UAAP season 72 gave the red warriors another chance to make up to their mistakes and redo what needs to be done to bag wins and make it to the finals. But before the season started, unfortunately for them, veteran guard James Martinez had an ACL injury that stopped him from playing for the red warriors. None the less, rookie coach Lawrence Chongson never made this an issue of losing but rather a challenge of winning.
The first round of eliminations gave the warriors a tough time. Losing to the defending champs (ADMU), beaten by the big men of the Tams (FEU) and even brought down by the leftovers and rookies of the archers (DLSU). That’s why the undersized veterans of the warriors stepped up and proved to be bigger than what people have expected. They showed countless offensive rebounds, holy-cow alley-oops and even perfect outside shots as proofs of their desire to win the finals.
I mentioned “undersized” warriors a while ago and I meant it literally. Llagas and Espiritu are not big enough as compared to their counterparts – Baclao and Rabeh (ADMU) and Cawaling and Ramos (FEU)- but surely had the most blocks in this season. Espiritu was even awarded the most defensive player. Adding up to the undersized bucket list are guards – Reyes, Zamar and Lingganay who are all small but terribly terrible. And oh! Don’t forget the long and strong arms of Acuña that hits 3s consecutively , that when he gets hot in the ball game, his shots become way hotter. To top the bucket with gravy, Paul Lee was never an exception, always the pepper that gives spice to the game. Inside or out, just give him the ball and he’ll probably throw a bang! And as for coach Lawrence Chongson, since the boys have adjusted to his new coaching system after coach Dindo, 3 of the many things on his to-do list - force turnovers and convert them into turnover points; rebound, box-out and put on a good defense; and lastly play big to win big. He steadily reminds the boys not to be selfish on the court, move the ball around and never pass an open shot, but he knew perfectly well that his boys are confident and never lose their swagger when it comes to their shooting skills.
In conclusion, defense, rhythm and momentum, put them together, that’s how the red warriors showed this season. Play better next year even without the veterans. Prove that the warriors never give up even against the toughest fights. Congratulations UE RED WARRIORS for the games well played.