UE Red Warriors open fire vs Jilin Tigers

JIXI City – Long journey from Manila to Beijing to Harbin to Jixi?

No problem for multi-titled UAAP champion University of the East Red Warriors.

The Warriors arrived in this beautiful city in the  southeastern Heilongjiang Province noted for its  extensive coal industry early Monday and get set for the formal opening of the 37th “Promotion Cup” international invitational basketball tournament at the Jixi Convention and Exhibition Center.

First up for the Chris Gavina-mentored Red Warriors is the Jilin Northeast Tigers in the featured game at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The eight-team competition will formally kick off on Tuesday with two afternoon  games pitting the Heilongjiang Youth against Habas of Russia at 2 p.m. and Malaysia National Team against Liaoning Project at 3:30 p.m.

The colorful opening ceremony highlighted by the tradional parade of teams  is scheduled at 6 p.m.

A slam dunk contest will follow at 6:30 p.m. before the game between local team Jixi Youth and Vladivostok of Russia at 7 p.m.

The fourth and last game for the day will pit the UE Warriors against the Jilin Tigers at 8:30 p.m..

“The Warriors step into Jixi City energized and ready. We’re focused and fired up for what’s ahead,” said Gavina shortly after the team’s arrival following a five-hour trip from Manila to Beijing, an overnight stay at Harbin and nearly three-hour, high-speed train ride to Jixi.

“As I’ve said, the UE Red Warriors take pride in representing the country,” added Gavina, who was appointed as UE head coach only last February.

The 46-year-old mentor, who guided the Taichung Suns to the T1 League Final Four playoffs, said the experience of playing against foreign teams in major international competitions will  help the Warriors a lot.

“Having coached in Taiwan the last two years, I know mas mabilis ang pace at mas physical  kapag international play.  I expect a high-level of competition here, “added Gavina, who is hoping to turn the Warriors into serious title contenders again in the coming UAAP season next month.

UE team manager Jean Alabanza  agreed with Gavina’s observation.

“Yun mga ganitong tournament na hindi mo kilala yung mga kalaban, magandang experience sa team. It’s very important na makapaglaro sila  as a team together in another country. Makikita natin kung paano sila lumaban. Makikita natin how they will compete, and stand up for each other,”said Alabanza.

Leading the Warriors  are team captain John Abate, Mark Joseph Cabero, Cole Cruz-Dumont, Nurjadden Datumalim, Dylan Benedict Despi, Ronjie Go, Jhondrew Jimenez, Kristoper Lagat, Vlair Christopher Lingolingo, Reynaldo Malaga, Nicolo Alfonso Mulingtapang, Keian Cedric Spandonis, Mariano Tañedo, and Drayton Caoile.

The other members of the coaching staff are former PBA player Paulo Hubalde, Melvin Reyes, RJ Argamino, Carlo Perigrino De Dios, and John Mari Quilang.

After Jilin, the Red Warriors will also play the Heilongjiang Youth Team at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, and Habas of Russia at 8 p.m. on Thursday.

A total of eight teams, including two Russian and four Chinese squads, are seeing action in the competition.

Joining UE-Philippines in Group A are the Jilin Tigers, Heilongjiang and Habas of Russia.

In Group B are Malaysia,  Jixi City, Liaoning and Vladivostok of Russia.

UE’s trip to Jixi  is arranged by Armstrong Philippines, headed by Norman Gomez.