Toper Lagat: UE locked in on first win despite coaching change

Despite a challenging start to their UAAP Season 89 campaign and a sudden change in coaching leadership, University of the East standout Toper Lagat remains determined to help the Red Warriors secure their first victory of the season.

Same system, same goal under Coach Pao

Following the departure of former head coach Chris Gavina and the appointment of interim coach Paolo Hubalde, Lagat revealed that the transition has not significantly altered the team’s system, with the new coaching staff opting to build on what was already established.

“Not that big of a change naman when Coach Pao came in. Yung how we prepare, the plays na we’ve been running before, still there naman. Coach Pao just made some small adjustments, pero yun pa rin naman yung nirurun namin,” Lagat shared. 

While the coaching change came as a surprise to the Red Warriors, Lagat admitted that the players were saddened by Gavina’s departure, particularly after learning about the development through a published report.

“Nasurprise kami doon sa article na lumabas. Siyempre, nalungkot din kami coming out na magpapalit nga ng coach,” he said.

League’s top scorer, playing for the team

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the team, Lagat stressed that their priority has remained unchanged, with the Red Warriors continuing to prepare for their upcoming games in hopes of finally breaking into the win column.

“Yun nga, kahit may departure ni Coach Chris, nagfocus pa rin kami on getting our first win. The preparations we need for the next coming games until we get our first win, doon pa rin kami nagfocus,” he explained.

Under Hubalde, the Red Warriors have also maintained their existing team culture, placing greater emphasis on consistency and gradual improvement rather than introducing sweeping changes.

“Yung values, yung culture, it’s like what I said, hindi naman ganun kalaki. Pero it’s just focusing on the improvements everyday. Yung pagpasok namin sa training, just focusing really on getting the first win and improving every single day.”

With UE enduring a rough opening stretch, Lagat also pointed to positivity as an important mindset being reinforced within the team.

“Yung positivity kasi coming from those games, a rough start nga. So we gotta stay positive lang kasi negativity won’t help us naman,” he added.

Despite the Red Warriors’ struggles, Lagat has continued to deliver impressive individual performances, emerging as the league’s leading scorer at the end of this season’s first round. 

However, the UE standout emphasized that his offensive production has always been driven by his desire to help the team secure a victory rather than chase individual recognition.

“First, para talaga sa team. We haven’t won ever since the first game. So gusto ko lang talagang gawin yung best ko to do my role para lang manalo yung team,” he shared.

Asked about leading the UAAP scoring race, Lagat expressed gratitude for the opportunity while acknowledging the trust given to him by his teammates and coaches.

“Siyempre, a really, really great feeling to be number one scorer sa UAAP. Super grateful lang ako na nagagawa ko yun. Siyempre, credits pa rin sa teammates and coaches ko who trust me to be able to do those kind of things.”

Pushing UP and tuning out the noise

Lagat’s offensive contributions were once again on display as UE challenged the University of the Philippines in a competitive outing, putting together a promising first-half performance before struggling to sustain its momentum after the break.

Reflecting on what went wrong, Lagat identified turnovers and missed offensive opportunities as factors that prevented the Red Warriors from maintaining their strong start.

“Yung taking care of the ball offensively. Maraming chances na pwede, We could’ve turned it into opportunity na nag-turnover,” he explained.

Still, Lagat believes the Red Warriors have shown encouraging signs, particularly when they are able to dictate the tempo and capitalize on their transition offense.

“Yung gumagana talaga sa amin is running talaga. We’re a running team. Kailangan talaga namin tumakbo because it’s where we get our points from.”

Despite facing a UP squad considered among the league’s stronger teams, Lagat said the Red Warriors entered the matchup with confidence in their ability to compete, even with doubts surrounding their chances.

“Talagang tiwala lang kami sa isa’t isa. Maraming nagsasabi na we can’t beat. So we just try our best lang to show them na kaya namin to compete against a great team,” he shared.

With UE still searching for its breakthrough victory, Lagat also addressed the rumors surrounding potential player transfers, reiterating that the team remains focused on its immediate goals rather than outside speculation.

“Right now, siyempre, focus pa rin kami on what’s in front of us. We’re just really trying to get our first win.”

If there are a few things we are sure of, it is that regardless of the coaching changes, outside noise, and early-season setbacks, the focus of the Red Warriors is on staying together, improving each day, and turning their competitive performances into a much-needed victory.