Paul Desiderio is called the King Maroon for a reason
After shooting dismally during the Fighting Maroons’ first two games, the hot hands of Desiderio are back in his unforgiving ways as he tallied a career high of 28 points and 10 rebounds to lift the University of the Philippines past the University of the East Red Warriors, Sunday afternoon.
He have been frustrated when his team lost big to the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles four days ago by 21 points, and was only 22-percent from the field, but the Maroon skipper sure knows how to make up for a bad day.
“First two games, masyado akong gigil,” admitted Desiderio, who shot just 10-for-38 from the field in UP’s first two games.
“Tina-try ko talaga isettle yung sarili ko na relax lang kasi yun nga, forced shots yung first two games, sobrang panget buti nalang ngayon, na-control ko na yung sarili ko,” added Desiderio, who shot 56 percent from the field against UE.
Coach Bo Perasol is very thankful that his team captain has regained his footing, “Malaking bagay talaga ang nawawala sa amin when he is not getting his regular game. And what a time to get his game back. This is an all-important game for us.”
Compared to their last two games, this time, Desiderio did not force his shots but instead played patient basketball.
“Sabi naman ni coach Bo, hintayin ko lang dumating sa akin,” the 5-foot-10 guard shared.
“Buti nalang dumating kasi kung hindi talo kami.”
As a result, he made it rain, knocking down five three-pointers in the contest.
In addition to patient basketball, he also credited his partnership with long time backcourt partner in Cebu, Jun Manzo.
“Sabi ni Jun ise-set up niya ako palagi so ayun,” said the one half of the Diliman Fast and the Furious, as dubbed by broadcaster Mico Halili.
“Malaking bagay si Jun kasi hindi ko na kailangan sabihan na hanapin niya ako, tinginan lang alam na namin ang gagawin namin.”
And in true Paul Desiderio fashion, he closed with his now trademark line.
“Atin to, papasok ‘to para sa Final Four. Sana makuha namin. One game at a time lang.”
Story By: Danine Cruz
