Bigger, taller Warriors eye better finish

MANILA, Philippines - Coming off a second-to-last effort in a field of eight in last year’s UAAP wars, there’s no other way for University of the East to go but up this season.

And coach Jerry Codiñera could only hope for the best from his souped-up Warriors.

“We have a better line-up compared to last year, we’re bigger, our players are taller,” said Codiñera, member of the team that gave the Warriors their last championship run in the early 80s.

He said the Warriors are raring to go, their form whipped up to competitive level following a series of tournaments and foreign stints last summer.

“We gained a lot of experience (in summer), especially the rookies. There were games we’ve beaten strong teams like La Salle and I hope it will boost our confidence in the UAAP.

“With the series of international tournaments in Malaysia and Chinese Taipei plus local, pocket tournaments in Cebu and some friendly games against commercial players, it really helped my team to grow,” he added.

Erwin Duran, on his last season, and fellow veteran Jai Flores will now man the fort for UE following the graduation of last year’s leaders Lucas Tagarda, Paul Zamar and Biboy Enguio.

They will be backed up by playmakers Ian Carlo Valdez, Shej Sumang, Jhon Rey Sumido and Christopher Javier with added firepower to come from Mark Anthony Olayon and Pedrito Galanza Jr.

Codiñera is also pinning his hopes on another guard Roy Villarias and his undersized but able big men in Flores and Adrian Santos, both standing just 6-3.

Codiñera said he hopes their 4-10, seventh place finish last year will serve as a motivation for the Recto-based school, which has a proud tradition of winning seven straight UAAP championships.

Unlike other teams, UE has no legitimate star in its roster but Codiñera maintains his squad is capable of delivering the goods as a group.

“We have no player who can score 20 points every night but I expect the scoring to come from everybody that’s why I need my bench to step up each game,” said Codiñera. “We’re down there but we will work our way up, that I assure you.

“On my part, I’m not counting my team out because if they play poorly against us, we’ll take advantage of it,” he added.