Former UE Red Warriors Jack Santiago. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — The University of the East announced that they have parted ways with Red Warriors head coach Jack Santiago through a statement on Tuesday.
“Thank you to you, and assistant coaches Don Allado, LA Rivera, Lorenzo Yulo, Dan Rose, and Cris Rubio, and the rest of your staff from January 2020, for all of your efforts, energy, skills, and smarts in guiding the UE Red Warriors Men's Basketball Teams in UAAP Seasons 84 to 87,” the school wrote.
The former Adamson University deputy mentor was tapped as UE’s new coach in early 2020, and he helped the squad to steadily improve until the Season 87 men’s basketball tournament wherein they only fell short of entering the Final 4 after losing to the Soaring Falcons in the playoff for No.4.
“We in the University of the East community of never-say-die tribes of students, graduates, alumni, faculty members, and officers wish to express our sincere, immeasurable gratitude for what you have accomplished in mentoring the UE Red Warriors squad.”
“While you have had an extensive basketball career even before accepting UE's invitation five years ago, leading the Warriors marked your very first stint as a UAAP head coach, and you have gone far in being the Warriors' fatherly frontliner. Thus did our Men's Basketball Team improve, progress that can only get better as the UAAP keeps going,” furthered UE.
Santiago previously stated that his contract was set to expire this January 2025, but the Red Warriors are yet to announce his replacement.
READ: In hot seat? Jack Santiago says ‘management will decide’ on his future in UE
“Siyempre, sa trabaho natin, anything can happen,” he said in a previous interview. “Management will decide. Talagang ganun naman eh.
Still, he was grateful for his stay in Recto, one wherein they even held a 5-2 record in Season 87 before losing steam in the second round.
“I sincerely thank UE for the privilege and opportunity to work alongside such talented student-athletes, dedicated staff, and passionate supporters for the past five years,” Coach Jack said. “The moments on and off the court and the relationships I've built with each of them shall remain close to my heart.”
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