Fil-Am recruit Payawal beefs up UE roster

The new era of UE Red Warriors basketball will include Calvin Payawal, a 6-foot-5 Filipino-American guard who will be eligible for two years starting UAAP Season 83. 

Payawal, who played for the St Xavier University Cougars in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) tournament, is expected to bolster the roster of new UE head coach Jack Santiago and assistant coach Jamike Jarin, who have been tasked to rebuild the struggling college basketball program.

“Coach Jack and his coaching staff recruited me. Him and coach Jarin were great in the vision for the team,” the 23-year-old Payawal told Rappler in an exclusive interview.

“I believe in coach Jack, the opportunity to compete and win are there for the school to succeed and I’m happy to help be part of something new there.”

Before becoming a head coach, Santiago was the top deputy of coach Franz Pumaren during their championship seasons with La Salle and their Final Four-contending years with Adamson.

Jarin, a former coach of the NU Bulldogs, was also a champion head coach with San Beda in the NCAA.

“I chose UE because it’s the best situation where I can grow as a player as well as help the team grow in the same goals of winning,” said Payawal, who will graduate college in December and enroll as a master’s student at University of the East. 

“I also really liked the coaching staff and feel it’s put in place where the players can improve and maximize potential.”

 Payawal believes he has a lot to bring to the table.

“I have a versatile style of play to where I believe I can help strengthen any area that the team may need more assistance at,” he said. 

“Whether it’s to play big, wing, defend, or score, I’m willing to put and give it all to the team and my coaches who have confidence in me.”

Payawal’s arrival comes at a good time for UE given the departure of top scorer Rey Suerte, who has moved on to the pro level. – Rappler.com