For a team who hasn’t been to the Final Four in 15 years, the UE Red Warriors are keen to finally regain their lost glory in the UAAP.
Taking the captaincy role is just as much as starting the right culture.
Jack Cruz-Dumont takes that statement to heart as the UE Red Warriors aim to end their long run of futility in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.
“It’s an honor and it comes with a lot of responsibility, but everyone on our team has the same mindset and understands the culture we’re building,” Cruz-Dumont told One Sports as the Red Warriors gear up for a new season.
For a team that has won just total of nine games in the last three seasons, the Red Warriors are heading to UAAP Season 87 aiming to earn their first Final Four trip since 2009.
Cruz-Dumont, who averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists last Season 86, is now tasked by head coach Jack Santiago to take a bigger role for UE, making sure the Red Warriors are able to stick to their Final Four goals.
However, Cruz-Dumont will not be alone.
Wello Lingolingo will share the responsibilities with Cruz-Dumont as the two look to lead the Red Warriors in ending their near 40-year title drought.
“Pretty soon after last season, coach Jack [Santiago] told me that [being captain] was an expectation for me in the upcoming year… me and one local player and it's gonna be Wello [Lingo-Lingo] for us,” Cruz-Dumont said.
For Lingolingo, it's all about their play on the hardcourt that matters above everything else.
“Andito naman ako para maglaro. Kung ano man ‘yung binigay sa’kin, ‘yun ‘yung tinatanggap ko, na mag-stay dito. Kaya desisyon ko rin, at desisyon ng magulang (ko mag-stay). Dito na ko, dito lang ako.”
Besides Cruz-Dumont and Lingolingo, guard Ethan Galang is also bracing for a more mature Red Warriors in hopes of making a noise this coming tournament.
“We’ve all had a year under our belts now. We’re only looking to see how far we can take us. We’ve got a deep bench, a strong core. Now we expect nothing less but success."
[ALSO READ: UAAP Season 87 preview: Injury-free UE begins quest to end 15-year Final Four drought]