Every young Filipino hooper dreams of playing in the biggest arenas for the best collegiate teams that the country has to offer.
For San Beda University's Andrei Ugaddan, he is one step closer to such an achievement after his recent commitment to the reigning NCAA champions San Beda University.
Ugaddan, a product of San Beda's high school program, said he chose to join the Red Lions for college as he is grateful to the institution for changing his basketball fortunes and slowly turning his hoop dreams into reality.
“Thankful ako sa San Beda dahil nabago nila [ang] buhay ko. Sila yung tumulong sa’kin para mabago 'yung buhay ko,” said the small forward, who idolizes Yukien Andrada and Nygel Gonzales.
Before that, however, Ugaddan first showcased his talents in Rizal, the home of the Red Cubs, and he needed to overcome the struggle of being far away from his original home.
“Nagsimula ako sa province namin, hindi ako sanay na malayo sa pamilya ko,” said the 18-year-old from Tumauini, Isabela.
Instead of folding under the pressure of being separated from his loved ones, Ugaddan used it as motivation, striving hard not only to prove himself right but also to make his family proud.
“Ginawa kong motivation 'yung pamilya ko para maharap ko 'yung mga struggles.”
Fortunately for the six-foot-three cager, he was able to combat his homesickness by finding a home away from home in San Beda University Rizal.
“Air Ugaddan” rang throughout social media and the national basketball scene during last year’s Palarong Pambansa, where the Ilocano wowed the crowd with his athleticism, explosive transition dunks, and rangy shooting.
Due to his impressive performances for Region IV-A, the dynamic forward was included in the games’ Mythical Five, together with the likes of Rene Baterbonia, Mot Matias, Chog Moral, and Johnelijah Luka Rose.
Months later, in the NCAA Season 101 juniors tournament, the six-foot-three cager averaged 13.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.4 steals, leading San Beda to a 6–7 win-loss record.
Now that his high school education is coming to a close, the swingman said that he is using this period before stepping into the collegiate ranks to further solidify the already lifelong bond he has with his high school teammates.
“Gusto ko lang enjoyin 'yung mga araw na kasama ko pa yung mga teammates ko kasi bago na naman mga makakasama ko eh. 'Yun, lagi kaming lumalabas,” said Ugaddan.
Not quite finished with his high school run, however, the cherry on top of Ugaddan’s breakout year came when it was announced that he ranked No. 12 on NBTC’s Top 24 list.
“Napakasarap sa feeling kasi first time ‘to. Maraming nangangarap na makalaro sa MOA, and isa na ako dun,” said the Red Cub.
And with him joining San Beda in the future, the Bedan faithful can look forward to him hustling and continuing to put his best foot forward for the Red and White.
“Ma-e-expect nila sa’kin 'yung defense, kasi dun lahat nagsisimula eh, susunod na lang 'yung offense,” he said.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
