By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
After years of a final-four drought in the UAAP, the University of the East Red Warriors management has high hopes this Season 83 and push for a strong playoffs campaign after getting top recruits.
With coach Jack Santiago taking over chief tactician duties for the red and white, the Red Warriors expect to have a better showing this Season 83.
San Beda Red Cub point guard Josiah Alcantara who averaged 4.4 points and 1.4 rebounds during his high school stint already committed to UE and will render his services this Season 83.
The 6-foot guard is expected to bring immediate impact to the Red Warriors after showing excellent leadership and court-awareness in his stint with the Red Cubs.
Also beefing up UE is Fil-Am guard Kyle Paranada who is the younger brother of former Adamson Falcon swinger Nico Paranada.
Paranada, fresh off his dominant high school years playing for Montgomery High School, posted an impressive stat-line of 23.5 points, 4.4 dimes, 4.3 boards, and 3.7 steals per contest..
Both Alcantara and Paranada are full-pledged freshmen so they will have their full five-years of playing eligibility under the Red Warriors.
Aside from the two freshmen, UE will also be bringing in Fil-Am forward Brian Enriquez who is only eligible to play for one year.
The 6’3’’ skipper previously played for the St. Louis Community College before finishing his college at William Woods University.
“Pag nakita mo siya, hindi siya ganoon ka-athletic. Pero he can play the one to three positions and I think he will be a good leader para sa team. Malaking bagay yun,” Santiago said.
Last but not the least, the Red Warriors will be reinforced by former MPBL cager and St. Clare forward Orin Catacutan.
Catacutan became the leading scorer of the Sarangani Marlins, averaging 17 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.4 steals in his stint in the MPBL.
Expect a tough to beat UE squad this UAAP Season 83.
