UE recruits Duremdes Brothers, NU attains Adamson blue-chippers
The UE Red Warriors added to their talent pool by securing the commitments of former UST Growling Tigers Kenji Duremdes and Kyle Magdangal, head coach Jack Santiago and the players confirmed on Wednesday, April 10.
Duremdes and Magdangal, the sons of former PBA MVP Kenneth Duremdes, will undergo one year of residency in 2024 and will play out their final two years of UAAP eligibility beginning Season 88.
“Coach Jack was my dad’s teammate before. We both considered moving to UE as a better opportunity for us both to get better and to showcase what we can really contribute,” Magdangal explained their decision in an exclusive interview.
“It turns out that I’m coach Jack’s godson,” Duremdes said, emphasizing the relationship he and his brother are going to have with their head coach. “Also, we both want a fresh new start for both of our careers.”
The duo didn’t play significant minutes in the two previous seasons they were lined-up by UST.
“Coach Jack trusts us and we trust him and his system so it’s just really a mutual understanding and we’re locked in now,” Duremdes added.
After losing MVP runner-up Rey Remogat this offseason, the Red Warriors reloaded their cupboard with the goal of contending for the Final Four in Season 87 and beyond.
Reyes, Garcia commit to National U
National University has successfully attained the commitment of Adamson high school champions Tebol Garcia and Vince Reyes, the school announced on Wednesday.
Reyes, a nifty scorer close to the rim, also received interest from premier collegiate programs like UST, UP, Lyceum, and San Beda, according to sources. Up until recently he was expected to join the Growling Tigers until National U’s late push persuaded him to become a Bulldog.
Garcia, a nifty playmaker, was expected to join the Ateneo Blue Eagles before also shifting gears to National U.
Their arrival will make up for NU’s loss of lead playmaker Kean Baclaan, who’s now at La Salle, and LA Casinillo, who’s now at UPHSD.
“Malaking addition yung nakuha natin ngayon kasi itong dalawang ‘to, ‘di lang magagaling na player, kundi mga winner pa,” said head coach Jeff Napa in a statement.
“A big step forward na yung nagawa natin nitong nakaraan and sana, sa pagpapatuloy na pag-mature nina Jake, Nash, at Reinhard pati rito sa mga bagong promising player natin, maka-move forward pa tayo lalo,” he added.
The Bulldogs’ next step is to make the UAAP Finals after advancing to the Final Four in each of the last two seasons.
Photos: UAAP Media Team/National University
