Bo Perasol‘s run at the helm of the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons has come to an end as he officially tendered his resignation as head coach of State U’s men’s basketball team.
“I promised UP after UAAP Season 82 that I will stay for another season just to sustain the rebuilding process which started many years back, coming from zero wins back then. Unfortunately, the pandemic has impacted all of us, including the dynamics of the playing field,” Mr. Perasol, 49, said in a statement.
“It has sadly changed my views, plans, and priorities, too,” he added.
The UP management has accepted Mr. Perasol’s resignation but is hoping to continue working with the latter for the improvement of the university’s basketball program and team.
Mr. Perasol spent five years with UP, which saw him steer the Maroons back to respectability.
In Season 81 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), he helped send UP to its first finals appearance after 32 years but they fell short against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the championship.
They barged into the semifinals in Season 82.
Then the pandemic hit, leaving the UAAP to suspend its activities.
With Mr. Perasol out as coach, UP is now going through a short list of possible replacements, which include former National University Bullpups coach Goldwin Monteverde and former UP player and now national women’s coach Patrick Aquino.
Apart from holdovers, UP has a number of young players like Carl Tamayo, Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, RC Calimag and CJ Cansino in its fold, who they hope to unveil once UAAP action returns. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
