Trio stays with UP

Kobe Paras commits one more season with the Fighting Maroons. DAVID JOHN CUBANGBANG @tribunephl_dvd

University of the Philippines (UP) head coach Bo Perasol said he was not surprised when three of his key players opted to stay for one more year in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero and former Most Valuable Player Bright Akhuetie committed themselves for another tour of duty for the Fighting Maroons in Season 83.

And the news no longer shocked Perasol, who will have a brand new set of coaching staff.

“It didn’t come as a surprise to me that their desire was to play again and finish what they’ve started,” Perasol said. “I have known these guys to be fighters and winners.”

UP fell short in Season 82 after losing to University of Santo Tomas in the Final Four round.

The heartbreaking meltdown by the Fighting Maroons raised question if Perasol will be back as well as the core of the team.

UP gave Perasol another chance as well as new assistants in Ronnie Magsanoc, Benjie Paras, Joey Guanio and Xavier Nunag.

With Paras, Rivero and Akhuetie committing for one more season, the Fight Maroons now have to convince Juan and Javi Gomez de Liano to stay.

Regardless of the decision of Gomez de Liano brothers, UP is assured of a solid roster next season with the return of the deadly trio.

“I’m happy with their decisions and I’m confident that we can still go on with our system come Season 83,” Perasol said.

“Kobe, Ricci and Bright were all key to our run last season and although we fell short, I still believe that we can get it next year,” he added.