UNIVERSITY of the East’s one-and-done players — Luis Villegas and CJ Payawal — certainly proved their worth in a short but sweet stint in the 85th UAAP basketball tournament.
While his wards showed they have what it takes with a 5-9 mark for sixth — in stark contrast to their winless campaign last season — Red Warriors coach Jack Santiago is convinced they could have done better.
He acknowledged that Villegas and Payawal poured their hearts out in each game. If only they would still be eligible to play next season.
“They’re one and done. They played major roles for the team during the season,” Santiago told Malaya-Business Insight yesterday, referring to the fact that Villegas and Payawal were enrolled as masteral students and only had one season to play.
“We overachieved already but we should have a much better record pa sana,” he added.
UE capped its season with an 80-72 overtime triumph over La Salle two Saturdays ago.
Santiago admitted they are a few pieces away from being a contender.
“Kasi kung titingnan mo naman iyong line-up, we are the dark horse, hindi kami ganoon kalakas. Wala kaming import. But still, every game nakapag-compete kami,” Santiago said.
“Siguro dadating lang doon sa stage na because of lack of materials, minsan talagang medyo down the stretch magsu-suffer iyong team.”
With Villegas, Payawal, and Nikko Paranada gone for the Warriors, Santiago said he is eyeing prized recruits and an import to beef up the squad in the next cage wars.
“But we’re looking at iyong mga (players through) recruitment that we are starting to talk. Hopefully, makuha namin iyong mga ilang players na iyon na makakapalit doon sa mawawalang space,” he said.
“Plus, iyong import namin. Sana maging ganito ulit iyong next season namin and maka-achieve pa kami or improve pa namin.”
The likes of Rey Remogat, Gani Stevens, Kyle Paranada, and Harvey Pagsanjan are expected to return and lead UE next season.
