UP's Francis Nnoruka (UAAP Media)
University of the Philippines is surely learning from its past mistakes in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.
With their “Maroon 5” continuing to lead by example, Francis Nnoruka and Noy Remogat made themselves the cornerstones of UP's campaign this year and beyond with their stellar plays for the reigning champions.
“Nakita ko si Francis, before the season pa, he was really, in a way, trying to know the system then I saw him really work hard facing those challenges,” said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde.
“And I think it goes for everybody naman kahit sila Noy… ‘yong imperfect game, it will be always part no’ng mga mali namin, ang importante sa amin is how we respond through that at the same time, work on every mistake and continue to grow as a team,” he added.
The 6-foot-9 Nigerian impressed in UP’s 89-75 win over Far Eastern University at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion last Sunday, Oct. 26, en route to their second straight win and a 6-3 slate.
“One thing for this game, we moved the ball better as a team and slowly, na-identify ng bawat isa ‘yung role [nila] sa team and I’m really happy to see that we’re improving and growing,” said Monteverde.
Nnoruka posted a double-double effort of 19 points and 10 rebounds with one assist, one block and one steal, while Remogat unleashed 12 points, two rebounds, eight assists, and two steals with Terrence Fortea and Gani Stevens also supporting UP's offense.
“Keep playing hard, every game show up, play my role and do what I got to do to make the team win and as much as I got to do my job,” said Nnoruka. “It’s a collective effort, we all still got to participate, throughout the rest of the season.”
Fueled by their desire to write a better chapter in his new journey, Remogat looked at his lackluster performances as a motivation to get better.