Despite his offensive struggles, Jack Cruz-Dumont's all-around play helped the UE Red Warriors secure their first win in the UAAP Season 87, earning the praise of coach Jack Santiago.
It hasn’t been the easiest of starts for rising star Jack Cruz-Dumont.
After a breakout performance last season, the UE Red Warriors hotshot has struggled from the field in his first three games.
Despite the challenge, Cruz-Dumont has shown that he is more than just an offensive threat but an all-around player for the Red Warriors.
In UE’s first win in Season 87 against the FEU Tamaraws, Cruz-Dumont put up just four points on 1-of-7 shooting but had 11 rebounds, six assists, and one steal.
This earned him the praises from coach Jack Santiago.
"Actually, last game against UP he's struggling also. I started him pa rin sa first five because knowing Jack, he really wants to help the team,” Santiago said during the post-game press conference.
“Of course, maybe medyo off siya that night and also this game but ang hinahanap naman namin yung team effort and I think kahit 'di siya nakai-score nang masyado sa offense but I think he helped the team in playing defense,” he added.
But it wasn’t just Cruz-Dumont who did the dirty work for UE. Other Red Warriors stepped in to help secure their first win of the season, preventing an 0-3 start.
Wello Lingolingo had seven points, five rebounds, one assist, and two steals, while Gjerard Wilson finished with 10 markers, which included huge treys to lead UE’s comeback win.
“The boys responded very well. It’s so hard to play with a 0-2 record but I just gave some instructions to the boys that we should just stick together,” said Santiago. “Whatever happens inside the court, we will stick doon sa game plan. I’m happy that even we’re down, nandoon pa rin kami sa game plan namin.”
Looking to find their footing in the new season, the veteran tactician called upon his veterans to step up and help their foreign student-athlete Precious Momowei, who has been hounded by defenses.
"I started to challenge my [team], especially my veterans because at the end of the day, di kaya ni Precious manalo mag-isa,” said Santiago.
“Every time he gets the ball inside, if you notice naman the whole team naka-dikit sa kanya, so we need the help from the other players, and I'm directing my veterans, na sila parin at the end of the day sila parin ‘yung magiging big role dito sa team namin,” he added.
[ALSO READ: ‘Just keep shooting’: Ethan Galang repays coach Jack Santiago's trust with clutch treys in UE’s first win]
UE will look to continue their winning ways on Sunday as they take on the defending champions, DLSU Green Archers, at 6:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
[NEXT: UE Red Warriors happy to get first win out of the way ahead of DLSU clash in UAAP Season 87]