Santiago Hopes to Continue Building as Contract Nears Expiry

Photo source: UAAP Media Team

The University of the East (UE) Red Warriors face a critical juncture as head coach Jack Santiago’s contract nears expiration in January 2025. Santiago, who joined UE in Season 84 and became the full-time head coach the following season, hopes to extend his tenure to continue the rebuilding process he began nearly three years ago.

“Not yet, wala pa rin,” Santiago said about his contract situation. “If the management still wants me to stay, wala namang problema. But of course, may mga coach din naman sila do’n, and that’s their prerogative. Again, we did a good job naman this season. We’ll see, we’ll see, kung ano mangyayari.”

A Team on the Rise

Under Santiago, the Red Warriors have steadily improved, recording their best three-year stretch in a decade. After securing five wins in Season 85 and four in Season 86, UE achieved a 6-8 record in Season 87, narrowly missing the Final Four after ending their campaign on a six-game losing skid.

Santiago sees a bright future for the Red Warriors, as many players on the roster are still maturing.

“Yeah, a lot. Not only going to the Final Four, but right now, ito ‘yung team na ngayon pa lang starting to maging matured,” he said. “We have a lot of good players coming in next year.”

Among the incoming talents are Colt Cruz-Dumont, the younger brother of graduating captain Jack Cruz-Dumont, and Gab Obusan, who is finishing his residency. High school standouts are also expected to join the program.

Despite this progress, Santiago recognizes the need to recruit more players to fortify the roster for the seasons ahead.

“Maybe by next year. Because right now, all the players are playing on their second and third year pa lang. So puno pa talaga. But of course, by next year we need to look and recruit for somebody,” he added.

Challenges and Lessons from Season 87

The Red Warriors showed promise early in Season 87, even holding the third spot at the end of the first round. However, the team faltered in the second round, finishing outside the Final Four in excruciating fashion. Santiago attributed the slide to a lack of mental toughness and consistency.

“Maybe the players are not used to that situation, being the number 3 on the first round,” he explained. “Parang maybe they na-satisfied na sila doon. And nawala ‘yung puso eh. The heart, the big heart. ‘Yon ‘yung nawala sa team. And when we started losing, ‘di na nakarecover. And iyon ‘yung attitude na dapat naming macorrect. Iyon ‘yung attitude na dapat mabuild ng mga players.”

Despite the challenges, Santiago remains optimistic about the team’s growth.

Future Prospects

One key decision for next season will be the team’s foreign student-athlete (FSA). While there is another option, Santiago envisions retaining Precious Momowei in the role.

“Yeah. Although mayroon kasing mga available, si White. But for me, Precious will be the FSA pa rin next year,” he said.

In addition to new recruits, Santiago sees potential in younger players like Nico Mulingtapang, who he believes could develop into a key contributor.

“Nico has the potential. Maybe this year bata pa talaga, but he has the potential to be the next point guard sa team,” Santiago shared.

The team will also rely on veterans like John Abate, who has one more playing year.

“It’s only Ethan Galang, Gjerard Wilson, and Jack Cruz-Dumont who will be graduating,” he added.

Looking Ahead

Santiago’s tenure has not been without challenges, including the departure of key players like Clint Escamis, Harvey Pagsanjan, Rey Remogat, Kyle Paranada, and Gani Stevens. Despite this, he has managed to stabilize the program and position it for future success.

As UE management evaluates the future of its basketball program, Santiago hopes for the opportunity to continue what he started.

For the Red Warriors, retaining Santiago could mean continuing the upward trajectory that has given the team and its supporters hope for a return to glory.