By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
COMPLEMENTING the gains they have had in the last couple of seasons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) with a shored-up roster heading into Season 81, the University of the Philippines (UP) men’s basketball team is looking at its campaign later this year with much bullishness, believing that this year could be the season of better results.
To be backstopped in Season 81 by prized recruits Bright Akhuetie (formerly of the Perpetual Help Altas in the National Collegiate Athletic Association) and NCAA Juniors most valuable player Will Gozum, joining holdovers like Paul Desiderio, Jun Manzo and Juan and Javi Gomez de Liano, the Diliman-based Fighting Maroons are high on their chances of going deeper this time around albeit recognize they still need to put in the work to achieve such.
“This is our fourth year in our program and we feel this season we could compete better,” said UP coach Bo Perasol at the sidelines of the signing of their recently inked partnership with 3M Philippines as one their sponsors for UAAP Season 81.
“The vision that we had at the start is actually happening but the results have yet to happen. When we started this, we just wanted to have a good chance of being there (Final Four or even championship). We want to achieve that, but apart from that we also want to encourage our community to believe in that vision. I want them to be there. I want them to be involved,” he added.
The UP coach went on to say that they are really preparing hard, joining as many tournaments as they can to see where they currently stand as far as their progress is concerned as well as setting trainings both here and abroad to stay sharp.
“This preseason we are playing a number of games and we have set various training camps. These are for the new guys and holdovers to establish cohesion and chemistry. Hopefully these pay off this season,” he said.
As to Akhuetie, who is expected to play a key role in the Fighting Maroons’ push in Season 81, Mr. Perasol said a lot rides on the Cameroonian’s ability to get his game going in concert with the rest of the team.
“Bright is really the focal point of what we are doing right now. He is our big man both on offense and defense. We are trying to get a feel of what he can do along with the team. That is one of the things we are working on in practice every time,” said Mr. Perasol.
Asked if UP will get to finally hoist the UAAP men’s basketball title once again after more than 30 years, Mr. Perasol said they would no doubt make a go at it.
“I’m really hoping that it can happen. In basketball there is nothing really certain as injuries can happen and players not living up from their end, things like that. But again, our intention is to be in the right position to achieve that and the better way to do that is to have better personnel, which I believe we have this season,” the UP coach said.
