Rookie coach starts buildup for Jr. Warriors

MANILA, Philippines - The University of the East Junior Warriors are joining the Future Basketball League (FBL) which starts Sept. 13 at the Ateneo High School gym. 

Head coach Mark Herrera said the Jr. Warriors’ participation is part of a series of sports competitions he has lined up under a basketball program he launched this year on his first season with the team.

Herrera, also the head coach of the grand slam Jr. PBA champion Talk ‘n Text-QC team and the national RP Youth 13-under team, said their participation in tournaments like the FBL would help develop his young players in their bid for an impressive finish in future UAAP tournaments. 

From second-to-last place finish in last year’s UAAP season with a 1-13 record, the Jr. Warriors have surged to the middle standings in the current tournament with Herrera as new coach.

“The new batch of players we have recruited are younger and less experienced players, and we need these tournaments to train them,” said Herrera. “A new basketball program will provide a strong base for the future of UE High School basketball.”

Herrera said the Jr. Warriors have the full support of the UE management, headed by acting PE director Rodrigo Roque and UE Red Warriors team manager Jesus Tanchanco.