Hard work fires up Maroons’ title run

University of the Philippines (UP) Office of Athletics and Sports Development director, Bo Perasol, believes that their latest University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball title was a testament to their thorough recruitment and the hard work they put in all season long.

Perasol told DAILY TRIBUNE that with their second UAAP title in three years, the Fighting Maroons have proven that they can be a title contender together with powerhouse programs like Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University.

The Fighting Maroons celebrated their fourth title with a bonfire celebration on Monday night at the Sunken Garden inside their Diliman campus.

There were song and dance numbers as well as cheers and speeches from players, coaches and school officials, who thanked the entire community for their unwavering support.

Aside from the men’s basketball team, also feted in the celebrated that lasted until past midnight were the women’s badminton and men’s athletics squad.

Perasol said their success wasn’t a miracle.

“This program did not happen in a vacuum. A lot of these were intentional,” said Perasol, who laid the foundation as Fighting Maroons coach for five years before handing over the reins to Goldwin Monteverde.

“Our funds, our resources, the support of the community, the support of the school administration, plus the fact that we got aggressive in recruitment. It was a huge thing.”

Since stepping in as the program director for the Maroons, Perasol has been integral in building one of the best collegiate basketball programs in the country.

From the recruitment of Monteverde to acquiring stars like JD Cagulangan, Ricci Rivero, CJ Cansino, Carl Tamayo, Zav Lucero, Francis Lopez, and Quentin Millora-Brown, UP finally fulfilled its championship potential and two UAAP titles in three years.

It was such an incredible feat as the Maroons managed to keep their core intact despite suffering back-to-back heartbreaks in Seasons 85 and 86 against the Blue Eagles and the Green Archers, respectively.

Unlike their Season 84 title in 2022 where Covid-19 protocols were still in effect, Perasol said this win feels better seeing students and alumni get together and savor the sweetness of their success while dancing to the beat of the most iconic bands in the country like the Moonstar88, Sandwich and Eraserheads.

Perasol also said the players will have a longer time to enjoy the title before getting back to work next year for Season 88.

“Actually, I’m happier because the community is more free to really celebrate. Our last celebration was a bit contained because of the pandemic but this time, we can see people are free to go around,” Perasol said.

“The good thing about this is we’re going to be able to wear this badge as champions for one year. The last time, I think it was only four months and then it’s back to practice,” he said.