Despite achieving a milestone for the University of the Philippines basketball program Sunday afternoon, second-year Fighting Maroons head coach Bo Perasol is not celebrating as he is still looking at the greater scheme of things.
From the 73rd to the 78th season of the UAAP, the Fighting Maroons tapped the services of five coaches, namely Aboy Castro, Boyet Fernandez, Ricky Dandan, Rey Mandrid, and Rensy Bajar. But during that six year span, UP tallied just a 7-77 win-loss record.
But in just two seasons under Perasol, the Fighting Maroons have already matched that win total after UP was able to pick up its second win of the season, 84-71, against the UE Red Warriors.
Even with this feat, Perasol stressed that he is not blinded by it, saying that his goal for the team is still far away.
“Unang-una, di pa tapos yung ambisyon natin.
“Masaya tayo na naabutan na natin yun, pero malayo sa utak natin yung mga nangyari noon,” expressed Perasol.
Perasol shared that his true vision is to have a Fighting Maroons team that is both intimidating and contending.
“Feeling ko, malayo pa kami dun sa point na talagang gusto kong lumaban — yung point na pagkita mo, alam ko talo ko ‘to.
“I’m happy na naabot na namin yan, but at the same time, we’re looking forward na maabot namin yung goal natin na umabot ng Final Four. Even itong season na ‘to. Ilalaban natin,” Perasol furthered.
Moreover, what he is trying to build is not just for this batch for Fighting Maroons, a team that is trying to crack the Final Four for the first time since 1997. What he is looking forward to is for the program to have a sustainable future.
“Eventually, matawid din natin sa susunod na generations ng mga players, yun ang importante.”
