THE University of the East Warriors will have to carry on without one of its main men in Paul Lee, as the team seeks redemption from its performance last season. New coach Jerry Codinera said he is now looking for a new player, who can replace the 6’1” Lee, who opted not to play his final year with the Warriors in the coming 74th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
“Career niya ‘yun, kaya wala akong magagawa kung ayaw na niyang maglaro sa UE,” said Codinera during yesterday’s weekly Scoop session at the Kamayan Restaurant in Padre Faura, Manila.
Codinera, who took over from Lawrence Chongson, who was replaced at the beginning of the year, is now conducting tryouts for new members of the Warriors quintet.
Last season, the Warriors finished sixth with a 6-8 record.
Codinera used to be a Warrior himself, helping UE win its last men’s crown 25 years ago.
Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas Tigers got big plays from four of their veterans as they hacked out a 25-14, 25-17, 20-25, 25-21 beating of the Adamson Falcons in the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Jayson Ramos made 17 points for the Tigers, while Salvador Depante contributed 16, and the pair of Harby Ilano and Henry Pecana had 14 apiece for the Tigers, who marched to their eighth win in nine matches.
Peter Atencio, Manila Standard Today
