CHRISTMAS came early for the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, not only because they won the UAAP Season 87 title, but also as they expect Andy Gemao to join them in their title defense next year.
Photo Courtesy: Steve Marion
Just when everyone thought the Fighting Maroons would have a major problem finding a replacement for floor general JD Cagulangan, their guard rotation continues to improve in ways that could be critical for them.
A new captain of the ship is likely to take them to victory in Season 88, as Naveen Ganglani’s ALL-STAR Magazine confirmed with team patron Jonvic Remulla that young star Gemao will join UP.
No Cagulangan, no problem
Gemao led Fil-Am Nation Select to the 2024 NBTC National Championship with averages of 15.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.0 steals. For such a young guard, he has an amazing all-around stat line.
The 18-year-old savvy guard then spent the most of his time honing his abilities abroad, as he just decided to finish his high school career in Toronto, Canada, and has received a lot of notice for his play.
One of them is UP, who began adding to their already impressive lineup only days after their UAAP title redemption trip. Gemao, meanwhile, has already played a brief term with them in an offseason league.
Aside from him, some may have forgotten that former UE Red Warriors great Rey Remogat completed his residency this year and will be ready for Season 88. Another spitfire guard for the Maroons.
After playing his second season with the Recto-based squad, Remogat averaged 16.5 points, 7.86 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. A statline impressive enough to pique the interest of UP.
In an interview with Tiebreaker Times after the Fighting Maroons won the championship, the 5-foot-10 guard admitted that he had already accepted the pressure of assuming Cagulangan’s role.
“Wala naman expectation pero yun nga, laging sinasabi sa amin na sa buhay, lagi namang may pressure,” Remogat told Tiebreaker Times. “Nasa kung paano mo ‘yun iha-handle.”
Tough season ahead
Remogat has been a member of Team B, assisting Team A in their preparation for the season. This led him to join in the celebration as UP overcame La Salle in the thrilling three-game UAAP men’s basketball finals.
“Sobrang sarap sa feeling. Syempre sa training sama-sama kami so parang kung ano yung nafi-feel nila ngayon, nafi-feel ko rin. Syempre, iba pa rin ‘yung sa kanila ngayon,” he added.
Cagulangan finished his time with UP as the Finals MVP and a Mythical Team member. Instead of putting themselves under pressure to take on the role of the departing guard, Gemao and Remogat will use this as motivation.
Kean Baclaan and Jacob Cortez of the DLSU Green Archers will face similar challenges in Season 88. Putting up more thrilling times ahead for one of country’s best collegiate basketball league.
