Now We Know Where UE's Getting Reinforcements

With the exit of Paul Lee, and no direct confirmation as to the success of their attempts at recruiting a blue chip 2/3, it seems that the University of the East Red Warriors will be turning their attention southward to Cebu.

According to an article in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, UE is set to tap four incoming college freshmen from Cebu Eastern College's high school ranks. Quoth:

Reigning juniors MVP, Nike Montalvo, heads a formidable recruitment class that seeks to rebuild the once-proud UE dynasty that has won 18 championships in the UAAP.

Montalvo will be joined by Roy Villarias, Mark Olayon and BJ Zosa. All four were vital cogs in turning the Dragons around from a miserable bunch in 2009 to a fearsome and title-winning one last year.

They performed well enough during the drills and scrimmages highlighted by them beating the regulars of the Red Warriors. This impressed UE head coach Jerry Codinera and team manager, Jesus Tanchanco Sr., enough to offer them slots on the regular squad.

The move will make the ADMU-UE matches a bit more interesting, what with former Cebu standout and CESAFI Juniors MVP Mark Tallo Jr. on the Ateneo squad. It also represents a major recruiting coup and the creation of a potential pipeline of talent, should these players' games transition well in the UAAP.