How long ago was the 2009 UAAP Finals? That seemed so long ago, when in reality it was merely two years back. In 2009 the University of the East Red Warriors made an improbable return to the UAAP Finals, where they became the only team thus far to beat reigning champion Ateneo De Manila in a championship game – they walloped the then-back to back seeking Blue Eagles by 20 points in Game 2.

Two years before that, they actually swept the league through 14 straight games, making the 2007 Finals outright. Whether it was the law of averages or simple nerves they were swept in those Finals 2-0 by the La Salle Green Archers. La Salle had just come off a one-year suspension from the league and the Brother Act of coaches Dindo and Franz in those Finals provided an interesting sideshow.

Now UE is being handled by a former UE and Philippine basketball legend, Jerry Codinera. Codinera, nicknamed the “Defense Minister” during his nearly 15-year PBA career for his ability to shut down even imports and dominating off the defensive boards replaced Lawrence Chongson. Chongson led the Red Warriors to the 2009 Finals, although that was greatly aided by having a strong starting five made up mostly of fifth-year veterans. Pari Llagas, Elmer Espiritu, Val Acuna and Rudy Linganay were all on that 2009 Finals roster, as well as the dynamic Paul Lee and sharpshooter James Martinez.

Only guards Paul Zamar and Lucas Tagarda are left from that 2009 roster. Athletic forward Ken Acibar was still in limbo as of this writing, as his PBA D League commitments reportedly had him missing practices and offseason games for the Red Warriors; he may or may not eventually find his way back to the UAAP roster. However the roster shapes up the biggest loss this season would have to be Lee. Lee is an all-league talent who scores 30 points even against older commercial league competition when he’s feeling it. He decided not to play his fifth and final year of UAAP eligibility this season to expedite his move to the pros.

Joining Zamar and Tagarda as returning veterans of note are 5-foot-11 off-guard Lord Casajeros, 6-foot-2 swingman Biboy Enguio, 6-foot-3 small forward JP Sumido, 6-foot-3 clones John Noble and Erwin Duran, 6-foot-5 center-forward Adrian Santos, and 6-foot-5 center Sam Razon. 6-foot-3 forward prospect Don Trollano was inexplicably released. 6-foot-4 center-forward Ivan Hernandez is still iffy as he was also released but has reportedly returned to the UE fold.

Newcomers of note are 5-foot-8 pointguard Roy Sumang and 6-foot-5 forward-center Chris Javier. Sumang was a star prospect as a Letran Squire but rather circuitously found his way to CM Recto. Javier followed the footsteps of fellow former San Beda Red Cub Martinez and crossed Legarda from Mendiola. Sumang should become the next great UAAP pointguard and will embarrass a lot of starters who will not take him seriously. Javier is an athletic big man who can play all three front court positions. Cebu prospects Nike Montalvo and BJ Zosa will likely be on the B Team.

UE high school remains as moribund as ever. Perhaps the biggest addition to this team is assistant coach and hardcore hoops legend Jawo Mapandi.