University of the East U16’s Hugo Delos Santos against University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 88. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — University of the East is on a roll in UAAP Season 88 junior high school hoops, and setting the table for the Junior Warriors is Hugo Delos Santos.
The prized playmaker out of Las Piñas is starting to turn heads for the defending champions, putting up 9.5 points with a second league-best 6.8 assists, and these are on top of 3.5 rebounds and a steal in four games so far for coach Matthew Sia’s squad.
“It’s been good. Lahat kami bago, so we’re trying to work on our chemistry still,” the 5-foot-9 guard told ABS-CBN News. “But it’s good for me personally because the coaches trust me.”
After their opening day defeat to National University Nazareth School, Delos Santos and company have won three straight outings, with the latest one over their Season 87 Finals foe University of Santo Tomas wherein he posted 15 markers with eight dimes, four boards, and a steal on Saturday.
UAAP: UP halts NU's dream run, tallies second straight win
“We just stayed composed,” shared Delos Santos on what has been a factor in their win streak. “Mas naging sanay na kami maglaro sa bigger type of atmosphere.”
Remaining steady has been a constant in the 15-year-old guard’s journey, especially since he has always been working his way up to earn the opportunities he has at present.
“Sanay siya na nagsisimula sa ilalim,” his father, John Delos Santos, said about the San Beda College-Alabang and St. Mark’s Institute product.
“Nung nasa Beda siya, third stringer siya, so alam niya na kailangan niyan dumaan sa process. Hindi siya nahirapan na makipag battle for his spot,” the older Delos Santos added.
Unlike most prized recruits today who were already highly touted before even reaching the UAAP stage, Hugo needed to attend a number of tryouts to just get a chance of catching the eyes of scouts.
“Noon pa lang ina-eye ko na mag UAAP,” said Delos Santos, who also attended tryouts with National U before eventually making the Junior Warriors roster. “I knew na yung last year’s team, maraming mawawala, so I just needed to focus and do my best.”
It was mainly his basketball IQ and playmaking skills that allowed him to earn a spot in UE, but where did he inherit these from? No other than his dad, who played for University of Perpetual Help in high school, and eventually Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite.
“Bata pa lang ako, naglalaro pa siya noon and lagi akong nanonood ng games niya,” shared Hugo of John. “Dati siyang point guard, so alam niya paano maglaro.”
However, while John was a steady guard himself for Perpetual and EAC, he had to focus on raising their family right after college. Still, basketball remained strong in their blood as his influence extended to his son.
“Doon ko nakita kung paano maglaro, and na-guide niya ako,” Hugo pointed out. “At a young age, alam ko na agad na hindi siya palakihan, ang naging edge ko talaga is basketball IQ.”
Now, with his father as his inspiration and his own journey fueling his dream, Hugo is embracing the role of being UE’s lead guard as they look for a repeat in the Under-16 division.
“I’ve been playing basketball my whole life,” he emphasized. “I know what’s right from what’s wrong, so I’m just trying to get used to everything.”
“Yung defending champion na title namin, parang wala namang pressure because we are a new team, but as our starting point guard, I need to lead by example eh,” Hugo emphasized.