THE University of the East (UE) Red Warriors continue to face a disastrous summer exodus with their current squad, as Devin Fikes confirmed his resignation from the team via Instagram on Friday.
Chris Gavina, the new UE head coach, appears to have a lot to figure out as the men’s basketball roster shake-up continues, with Fikes becoming the latest Red Warrior to leave the team.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
After two years of helping the Red Warriors in their best efforts to return to the UAAP Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 6-foot-5 all-around player decided it was time for him to depart the squad.
Going Back Home
Fikes’ departure, despite widespread speculation that he may transfer to another school like his former teammates Rey Remogat and Rainer Maga, is for a different cause. It is to return home to Canada.
“Thank you UE! I did not know the post were coming so soon and thought I would be able to break the news myself but now that everything is out, I will be going back to school in Canada,” Fikes said.
“And will not be transferring to another school in the Philippines as the only school I would be playing for is where I am right now,” he wrote in his heartfelt message.
Looking back, Fikes was lured to Recto by former UE head coach Jack Santiago in 2023, with great hopes that his dimensions and adaptability would help the rebuilding Red Warriors program.
Fikes played only nine games in his first season, UAAP Season 86, before suffering a season-ending knee injury. However, he rebounded in Season 87, averaging 6.47 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
“I want to say thank you to the coaches, managers, kuya’s, teammates and especially the community. Thank you again UE for all the support and I hope you guys understand! Thank you,” he added.
Now that Fikes has moved on, the Red Warriors face even more uncertainty heading into UAAP Season 88. The youthful club and coaching staff will have the challenge of immediately regrouping and continuing to improve without one of their rotation players.
