University of the Philippines (UP)has been a regular fixture in the men’s basketball finals over the past half-decade since the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) returned after the pandemic.

Coming into Season 89, putting the Fighting Maroons as one of the strongest title contenders is a no-brainer.

Despite the departure of most of its veterans following a runner-up finish last year behind De La Salle University, the Diliman-based squad remains formidable by bringing in blue-chip recruits, including highly-touted seasoned transferees off one-year residency, to join experienced holdovers in a bid to get the title back.

Although once again fancied to win it all, UP is tuning out the outside noise and high expectations as it focuses on getting the job done first.

“We’ve been in the finals the last five seasons but then again, we live our lives in the present,” Fighting Maroons assistant coach Christian Luanzon said.

“We have different rosters, different players. So, it’s a new challenge for us,” added the deputy of head coach Goldwin Monteverde.

UP is ushering in a new era after the exit of its so-called “Maroon 5” in Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Janjan Felicilda, Reyland Torres and Harold Alarcon last season.

Veterans Jacob Bayla, Rey Remogat, Gani Stevens, Sean Alter and Chicco Briones serve as the foundation of the Fighting Maroons.

“Hopefully, our leaders will be able to lead and guide our other players who are rookies or sophomores,” Luanzon said.

“Jacob is approaching his third season. He won his first championship during his rookie season. That’s rare for a rookie in the UAAP. Chico Briones, he’s playing his last year. Obviously, Gani Stevens. And Noy, he’s going to be huge for us,” he added.

But what makes UP a team to beat again this season is the arrival of Season 87 Rookie of the Year Veejay Pre, Rainier Maga and James Payosing after serving their residency requirement.

Pre joined the Fighting Maroons after an impressive debut with Far Eastern University while Maga is a deadshot gunner from University of the East.

On the other hand, Payosing is bringing in his championship pedigree after leading San Beda University to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) title while earning the Finals Most Valuable Player honors.

“He’s coming in as a rookie, but he’s an experienced player. He won a championship already in the NCAA,” Luanzon said.

UP is also looking at taking advantage of the new league rule that allows two foreign student-athletes on the roster, although only one can play per game.

The Fighting Maroons are expected to field veteran Francis Nnoruka and 7-foot Dieonte Miles.

While confident of the team composition, Luanzon knows that where this batch of UP cagers will go this season will only be answered on the court.

“Remains yet to be seen. How many teams have we seen whether in the NBA, PBA or any high school team, that look good on paper, but still come up short? So, it all depends,” he said.

“We can only see that from end to end between the 94 to 96 feet lines. And once inside the court.”

UP debuts against University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 6 p.m.