Devin Fikes Bids Goodbye to UE Red Warriors

Photo Source: Vyn Radovan

Updated

The University of the East (UE) Red Warriors have lost one of their dynamic players as Fil-Canadian forward Devin Fikes has decided to part ways with the team. Fikes informed teammates and coaching staff of his decision on Friday, May 2, ending his stint with the Red Warriors just as the team continues to navigate a difficult rebuilding phase.

“Yes I will be pursuing basketball in Canada, just to receive my degree for now,” he told me in an exclusive interview.

Fikes said he will not transfer to another Philippines-based college or university.

“What I will miss most about UE is the community and my teammates since this was where I came straight from highschool. I have never felt more supported and loved in my life and I appreciate every single day I have been out here,” he said.

“What made me decide to leave is just some personal problems that I don’t really want to talk about, but nothing about the school because I have so much love for this school and the people there.”

The departure is a blow to a UE squad already reeling from recent losses, including the transfer of promising guard Rainer Maga to the UP Fighting Maroons. For a team trying to find stability and build a competitive core, Fikes’ exit strips them of both talent and leadership.

Fikes arrived at UE in 2023 as part of a wave of Fil-foreign recruits brought in to revitalize the program. He had already made a name for himself in the 2023 Smart-NBTC National Finals, averaging 12.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game – a performance that earned him a spot in the NBTC All-Star Game.

Standing at 6-foot-3, Fikes brought energy, length, shooting, and versatility to the Red Warriors’ rotation. His debut UAAP season, however, was cut short after suffering a serious knee injury during a game against the UST Growling Tigers. He underwent season-ending surgery and missed the rest of Season 86.

Despite the setback, Fikes returned strong in Season 87 and played a key role for UE with his hustle, floor spreading, and defensive tenacity.

Now, with Fikes moving on, the Red Warriors face even more uncertainty ahead of UAAP Season 88. For the young team and its coaching staff, the challenge will be to regroup quickly and continue building without one of their rotation players.