Wounded Warriors

Observers in the UAAP community say University of the East is going to be a strong contender this coming season. They have amassed heartbreaking close-encounters in the past that have proven their resiliency and determination. Theirs is a heart that has grown enormous with the failure of their yearly attempt to steal the UAAP crown.

On his first year with the Red Warriors, head coach Boyzie Zamar aimed for the final four. Disappointment came when they lost in the quarterfinals to National University in double overtime. Last year, they made it another inch closer to the title only to fall short in the semis. "It was very humiliating and frustrating for us to lose to Ateneo even with the twice-to-beat advantage last year," admitted coach Boyzie who is on his third year of coaching UE.

With the full support of chairman and acting president P.O. Domingo, the team moved on and motivated themselves to reap experiences and victories from the other leagues—Bantay-Bata and Champion’s Leagues last year. And this year’s National Private Schools Athletics Association (PRISAA) where they represented the NCR last April and encountered schools from Aparri to Jolo.

As expected, experiences in these leagues gave the players a big surge of confidence. In the provinces, fans even stopped and asked to take pictures with James Yap, Paul Artadi, and the rest of the team. Those were indeed, victorious moments for Warriors with injured pride.

Their wounded spirit may have healed alright. However three weeks away from the kick-off of the 66th UAAP season, the Red Warriors are still busy recovering, this time from physical injuries.

Star player James Yap is suffering from tendinosis. This is an injury described by UE strength and conditioning coach Andrei Tolentino as "healing of a prior injury but in a wrong place." It was found out that a thigh injury that the 6’3 forward incurred while playing for ICTSI in the Philippine Basketball League did not heal properly. The injury got more serious and manifested itself three weeks ago. They have since been treating Yap who is now on his last week of therapy. If things don’t get better, there is a possibility that he will be forced to sit out the first half of the coming UAAP season.

Niño Canaleta sprained his left ankle two weeks ago while playing for the RP team in a tune-up game. There is still a bit of inflammation on his ankle but it is being controlled and strengthened within this last week of his therapy. This is a first time sprain in the right ankle for the 6’5 forward. That is why it has been extra painful for him and is taking quite a while to heal. Arnold Booker is recovering from a severe case of tendonitis on his left knee. This is a common injury to all players. Though his was aggravated by other injuries to the same knee. Tolentino said they are expecting him to be back on Wednesday.

The list doesn’t end there. Other players are also suffering from minor injuries. Philip Butel has a strained shoulder. Ollan Omiping has an acute case of tendonitis also on his left knee. And Robert Labagala sprained his ankle recently. Paulo Hubalde is experiencing pain on the "lateral side of his knee" and is scheduled for check-up today. These injuries have definitely slowed down the Red Warriors. The coaching staff was forced to taper their training modules according to the capacity of the players who are trying to recover. "But life must go on. All players would still have to fight for their slot in the team," added coach Boyzie firmly.

Speaking of slots in the team, the Red Warriors had room for three new acquisitions this year. Former PSBA forward Jun Tamayo moved with Zamar when the coach transferred to UE. He has established residency since and will now be ready to play for the Red Warriors in the UAAP this year. 6’7 Paolo Napo is UE’s rookie center. Though he’s not the only one. Zamar is excited for what he calls "prized-find" Erick Sugitan. This 6’9 center from Isabela was actually a volleyball player who didn’t know anything about basketball when the Warriors recruited him. "But his improvement is fast because he developed passion for basketball," coach Boyzie explained.

From last year’s line-up, they lost only Ronald Tubid who signed with the Shell Turbochargers in the PBA. Coach Boyzie remembers him as the "5’10 cager with a 6’10 heart." Almost half of the team is on their last year including premier point Paul Artadi. And maybe even coach Boyzie?

The road from Recto to the 66th UAAP finals is expected to be long and wearisome. But these Warriors are out to win a battle that was last won by their team in 1985 behind successful PBA superstars, coach Allan Caidic and Jerry Codiñera. Injured or not, they will not give up.