Welcome to the University of the Philippines’ new era in UAAP men’s basketball.
For the first time since taking over the program, Goldwin Monteverde no longer has a player from his days at National University-Nazareth School.
With a largely new-look Fighting Maroons squad, the decorated head coach is looking to hasten the team’s development by giving minutes to as many players as possible.
UP defeated University of Santo Tomas, 92-85, in its season opener on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. The team fielded 12 players, 10 of whom scored at least five points.
“I think yung experience na mag-gain namin every game will really matter. Actually, yung goal namin for the number of games before we start UAAP, na-achieve naman namin,” said Monteverde postgame, referring to the Fighting Maroons’ preseason campaigns in the AUBL, Filoil, and Pinoyliga.
“So far, while the team’s working together, nade-develop yung chemistry. At the same time, everybody’s really working on improving.”
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
The team effort was on full display against the Growling Tigers, with Francis Nnoruka leading the way with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Noy Remogat and Migs Yñiguez followed with 11 points apiece, while Sean Alter added nine. Arvie Poyos, Rainer Maga, and Gani Stevens also chipped in eight points each.
Veejay Pre contributed seven points, then James Payosing and Chicco Briones scored five apiece in the win. Jacob Bayla added two points.
Choi Palanca was the only Fighting Maroon to play and finish scoreless, although he saw just one minute and 40 seconds of action.
UP will next face Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday, still at the Big Dome.
Moving forward, Monteverde wants to continue seeing the hard work his players have put in throughout the preseason.
“For me kasi, having a team na alam naman natin lahat eventually ga-graduate ang players, and those former players will play a certain way. But this group, they really commit to work hard and work together,” he said.
“Para sa akin, siyempre, as we go along sa tournament, they will grow their own identity.”
