ONE of the feel-good stories in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines is set to be immortalized as a coffee-table book on the inspiring run of the University of the Philippines men’s basketball team in Season 81 is being cooked up.
The book, to be written by columnist Naveen Ganglani, is set to chronicle the amazing journey of the Maroons from its string of losing campaigns to its UAAP finals return after three decades this season.
It, too, provides readers with an in-depth look into the events leading to the humble beginnings of Nowhere to go but UP (NTGBU), a group of UP alumni volunteers who dared to believe that they could reinvigorate UP’s resource-challenged sports programs.
Viewing the team’s turnaround as something that should be spotlighted and told, Mr. Ganglani said a book on it is but fitting.
“As an outsider looking in, I hope to convey how the story of a rival school is incredibly inspiring, even to those who do not bleed maroon. I hope to do justice to their story by writing an accurate, comprehensive, well-researched book that will answer many questions about the rise of the Maroons,” said Mr. Ganglani, an alumnus of De La Salle University who covered the UAAP for years.
“What were the early challenges the group faced as UP tried to rehabilitate its reputation as one of the UAAP’s cellar-dwellers? What was the motivation behind the bonfire during a one-win campaign which was celebrated in Diliman, but mocked outside of the university’s walls? What led to UP hero and legend Paul Desiderio nearly missing out on the chance to wear the school’s name across his chest? How was a once-in-a-generation talent like Juan Gomez De Liaño brought into the fold? Why was it so important for UAAP MVP Bright Akhuetie to leave a legacy at UP that he chose the school over other suitors? These are just some of the questions the book hopes to answer,” Mr. Ganglani added.
The book, to published by the Nowhere to go but UP Foundation, will also have exclusive interviews with UP’s coaching staff and players, as well as key alumni from the UP community who helped augment the state university’s athletic programs.
For NTGBU, the book is hoped to inspire not only the UP community but anybody who dares to dream and succeed.
“The goal really is to produce a tome that will be enjoyed not only by UP alumni and fans of the Fighting Maroons, but also by those who are looking for motivation to strive for something bigger,” said NTGBU Chairperson and UP Maroons Manager Atty. Agaton Uvero. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
