UP Maroons: Only way to go is UP

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES FIGHTING MAROONS

UAAP Season 82 (2019) record: 9-5 2nd place after elimination round  

Lost to UST TWICE in the stepladder semi-finals

Coach: Goldwyn Monteverde (1st Season)

Subtractions: Bright Akuhetie, Jun Manzo, Jaydee Tungcab, Jerson Prado, JJ Jaboneta, Jaybee Mantilla

Decommitted: Juan Gomez-De Liano, Javi Gomez-De Liano, Kobe Paras, Will Gozum, David Murell, Pio Longa,  

Holdovers: Ricci Rivero, Noah Webb, James Spencer, John Gob,

Additions:

Transferees:  CJ Cansino, Joel Cagulangan, Maliff Diouf,

Team B:  CJ Catapusan, Brix Ramos

Rookies: Carl Tamayo (NU), Gerry Abadiano (NU), Terrence Fortea (NU), Harold Alarcon (NU), RC Calimag (LSGH), Bismark Lina (UST),

AJ Madrigal (LSGH), Anton Eusebio, Alonso Tan, Zavier Lucero, Henry Galinato,

Background: The Maroons are coming off a disappointing season 82 where they were tapped to win it all. The Maroons got swamped by an inspired UST squad that beat them twice in the final four that led to  their unexpected exit.

Key changes: 

For the first time in so many years the UP Maroons won the recruitment wars and won it by a mile.  The Maroons got the biggest prize coming from High School by landing Carl Tamayo from NU. To make matters worse for NU, the other Bulldogs, Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea and Harold Alarcon followed suit. When word got out that Tamayo is Diliman bound, it created a ripple effect that landed other high school stars namely RC Calimag of LSGH, Miguel Tan of Xavier and Bismarck Lina of UST. Then there’s more as filipino cagers abroad that joined the fray as the Maroons attracted highflyers in Zavier Lucero and Anton Eusebio. Losing Juan Gomez-De Liano, Javi Gomez-De Liano, Kobe Paras & Jun Manzo is a lot but you now have CJ Cansino, Joel Cagulangan, and CJ Catapusan to replace them. Yes Bright Akuhetie is gone but the Maroons new Foreign student athlete Malik Diouf is now on board to show what he has. There are only four holdovers from season 82, Ricci Rivero, Noah Webb, James Spencer, & John Gob. The biggest change has to be the hiring of high school champion coach Goldwyn Monteverde. His familiarity with the NU boys will make his transition from High school coaching to the Seniors division easier. 

 Outlook: 

The Maroons are loaded on every spot and are ready to challenge the Blue Eagles again. Leading their charge is the high-flying Ricci Rivero whose role is to make sure that the newly revamped Maroons are up to speed. The Maroons are eager to parade Malik Diouf and see how he can match up with Ateneo’s Kouame and the other foreign student athletes.  Carl Tamayo will be in everyone’s radar since his exceptional showing with the Gilas team. Former UAAP rookie of the year CJ Cansino is also eager to spread his wings with his new team together with former NCAA Jrs. finals MVP Joel Cagulangan.

The high-flying wings Zavier Lucero & Anton Eusebio are also ready to serve a notice to the league that every game will be a dunkfest.  The Diliman based maroons have a lot of talent in their team and the only thing that they need is chemistry. Together with the Blue Eagles, the Maroons, Archers and Tamaraws will most likely make it to the final four and seeing them battle the Eagles, Archers and Tams will be a sight to behold.

Prognosis: 

The Maroons should be favored to get one of the first two slots & secure a twice to beat advantage. They have the talent to get back to the finals and depending on how they will mature as a team, the Maroons might have a chance to come out on top. 

photos from UAAP Varsity Channel and UP Page