Joe Silva steps down as UE head coach a day before Red Warriors’ opening game

MANILA, Philippines—University of the East pulled off the earliest of surprises a day before the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament could even tip-off.

In a stunning development, the Red Warriors will be parading a new head coach for the second straight year after Joe Silva stepped down from his post on Tuesday.

Silva expressed his gratitude to UE shortly after news of his resignation broke out.

“Nothing but love for the UE community. Good luck to all the players coaches, school officials and the whole community. Thanks for making UE my second home. Once a warrior always a warrior. #bombaUE,” he wrote on his Twitter account.

Bong Tan, son of school owner Lucio Tan, has been reportedly tapped to take over.

Under Silva, the Red Warriors, who lacked personnel to matchup with the rest of the field, finished dead last in Season 81 with a 1-13 record.

Silva was tapped to replace Derrick Pumaren last year as UE coach after steering the Ateneo Blue Eaglets to a pair of juniors titles.

UE, parading a handful of blue-chip recruits led by Senegalese big man Alex Diakhite and CESAFI standout Rey Suerte, takes on University of Santo Tomas Wednesday morning to open Season 82.