University of the Philippines (UP) is already plotting its title defense barely a few days after emerging victorious in Season 87 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

UP Office for Athletic and Sports Development director Bo Perasol told DAILY TRIBUNE that they are seriously eyeing Andy Gemao to be part of the team that will defend their title in Season 88 next year.

Gemao is definitely a prized recruit.

The 18-year-old Iligan City native gained national attention after leading Letran College to the National Collegiate Athletic Association title in 2023.

Then, he was invited to play for Veritas Academy National Prep in California and even trained with four-time National Basketball Association (NBA) champion Klay Thompson of the Dallas Mavericks.

This year, Gemao was the lone Filipino representative in the prestigious NBA Basketball Without Borders Global Camp last February in Indianapolis and led Fil-Am Select to the 2024 National Basketball Training Center Division 1 championship last March in the Philippines.

Perasol said they are in constant communication with Gemao, raising speculations that he will see action for the Fighting Maroons next year.

“There were already initial talks with him two years ago. We would want him to be part of our program,” Perasol said, referring to the high-flyer who played for them in a preseason tournament last April.

“Our coaches are in constant communication with Andy.”

Gemao’s inclusion will be a major boost to the already loaded Fighting Maroons squad.

Despite losing JD Cagulangan and Quentin Millora-Brown, UP will still remain formidable with the return of Terence Fortea, Francis Lopez and Gerry Abadiano under head coach Goldwin Monteverde.

Former University of the East guard Noy Remogat will also be suiting up, giving the Fighting Maroons a chance to counter the solid recruitment class of De La Salle University featuring collegiate heavyweights Kean Baclaan, Jacob Cortez, Luis Pablo and Mason Amos.