Goldwin Monteverde’s coaching career has been marked by success, winning numerous championships at the high school level and leading University of the Philippines to its first UAAP Men’s Basketball title in 36 years back in Season 84.
But behind his rise is a deep story of mentorship, legacy, and paying it forward.
As he leads the Fighting Maroons in Season 87, Monteverde has extended his guiding hand to the next generation, particularly to someone close to his heart: King Vergeire, son of his former mentor, the late Dong Vergeire.
Monteverde’s connection with the Vergeire family traces back to his time as an assistant coach for Dong at College of Saint Benilde.
Under Coach Dong’s leadership, the Blazers claimed the NCAA Season 76 Seniors Basketball championship — the school’s only title so far in the Grand Old League.
Unfortunately, Coach Dong’s life was cut short in September 2013 when he passed away at the young age of 47.
His untimely death left a lasting impact on those he coached and mentored, including Monteverde.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Now, over a decade later, Monteverde finds himself mentoring the next Vergeire.
King, who graduated from UP in 2019, never made it to Team A but his love for basketball persisted.
King helped establish All Out Academy, a skills camp.
His passion for development and basketball grew further when he interned for Monteverde during UAAP Season 85 in 2022.
Little did King know that this experience would become the foundation for his own coaching journey at UP.
Before the start of UAAP Season 87, Monteverde took a significant step in King’s career by appointing him head coach of UP Integrated School’s first-ever team in the UAAP Junior High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament.
“Very, very exciting because it’s the first time I’m coaching at the UAAP level, especially coming from UPIS. Very grateful for the opportunity given to me by Coach Gold. Just very thankful,” King shared.
Being mentored by Monteverde, the same man who learned from his father, has created a unique full-circle moment for King.
“I’m just thankful na nagkakilala si dad ko and si Coach Gold. Bilog yung bola. Learning from Coach Gold is a very good experience. I’m just grateful for him,” he said.
While King didn’t achieve success as a player, his drive to learn and grow under Monteverde has been a blessing.
“It’s a very good learning opportunity for me, coming off college. Not being able to play pero the experience and knowledge that Coach Gold gave me have been very helpful. Mga tinuturo niya sa ‘kin every day in practice, even sa men’s, I pick up small things everyday para makagawa ako ng sariling diskarte,” King reflected.
The responsibility of coaching his alma mater adds another layer of meaning to King’s journey.
“I’m beyond thankful and happy to get this experience sa UPIS because the opportunity of coaching your alma mater does not come every day,” he said.
The chance to lead the team where he once played is something he deeply cherishes.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
However, the road has not been easy.
The Junior Fighting Maroons currently hold a 0-4 record this season, a tough start for the new team.
Despite this, King remains optimistic, focusing on long-term development rather than immediate results.
“Number one is development. As you can see, all of our guys are homegrown. I take pride in that. Even if we were given a short time to prepare, I can see the effort of the kids. That is what I’m proud of. I am not ashamed about losing but then again, I’m just thinking about the future,” King emphasized.
With standout players like Justin Hallare and Bruce Tubongbanua emerging from the ranks, King is building something special at UPIS.
He recognizes the challenges but views them as opportunities for growth, both for himself as a coach and for the team.
“I love asking him [Monteverde] questions because learning from the GOAT coach is very, very fun and interesting. I really love picking his brain.”
