Paul Varilla says UE will embrace dark horse tag

MANILA, Philippines – Several coaches tagged University of the East as one of the dark horses for UAAP Season 79 despite lacking an import, and team captain Paul Varilla says that’s a role the Red Warriors are willing to take. 

“We’ll accept it,” Varilla said after the UAAP press conference, Tuesday, August 30, though with reservations. 

“Still got to prove ourselves when the game comes.”

(READ: Yay or nay? Predicting the UAAP Season 79 basketball tournament)

The Warriors, who last won a title in 1985, are a mix of rookies and veterans this year and are looking to finally get over the hump for a return trip to the Final Four. Last season, UE was also looking to play the role of upset-seekers after narrowly missing the playoffs the year before. 

But they settled for a 6-8 record and a sixth place finish overall. Varilla said growth and beefed up experience are their allies this time around, as other teams such as Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University are rebuilding with younger players.

“I think the difference from last year to this year is that last year we had a lot more rookies and now our rookies are more experienced,” shared the fourth year Management major. “With that being said I think we’ll have more of an edge because of the experience factor.” 

UE spent the off-season playing in summer tournaments as well as traveling to Guam late July for a tilt against the country’s national team, one of its collegiate teams, and National University as well. The Red Warriors wound up second in Guam. 

“We’ve been having good training,” Varilla said, adding people should keep an eye out for graduating swingman Renz Palma and how he’ll perform for UE this year.

“With our system there’s a lot of running so of course we’ve been doing a lot of running. Just working on the game, trying to focus really on what we have to do.” 

The 6-foot-3 swingman likewise has fluidly grown into his leadership role. He even did a good job filling in at the press conference for third year head coach Derrick Pumaren, who was feeling under the weather and unable to attend.

“Just continue to be vocal, contribute more, and just do more any way possible,” said the 23-year-old Varilla, who is playing in his final year. 

Of all the strides UE made in the offseason, Varilla appeared proudest of the team’s improved chemistry. 

“It’s grown,” he perked up at the topic. “It’s gotten a lot better because last year with the rookies being a little bit shy, now they’re more open. Now we’re more in unison I would say.” 

The UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament begins Sunday, September 4 with the opening ceremony to take place at host University of Santo Tomas’ campus on Saturday, September 3. 

The Warriors will first battle the NU Bulldogs on Wednesday, September 7 at 2 pm at the Mall of Asia Arena. (SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 79 basketball first round) – Rappler.com