The process must continue for the Fighting Maroons
When Ricci Rivero announced that he was leaving the De La Salle University last April 5, University of the Philippines student-athlete Javi Gomez de Liano immediately sent out an invitation to the UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball Most Improved Player.
Join the process? …… https://t.co/dLqPz4YSD9
— Javier Gomez de Liaño (@javigdl22) April 5, 2018
With that, the process of recruiting Rivero began.
Incoming sophomore Juan Gomez de Liano, who had a huge hand in securing Will Gozum, led the way. During Gilas Cadets’ practices, the product of UP Integrated School would play one-on-one pick-up games with Rivero after the team’s sessions. And it worked, as Rivero committed to UP last May 18.
UP’s process did not just start this summer, however. It all started back in 2016.
Back then, graduating senior Jett Manuel had a goal: To change the culture of the Fighting Maroons.
During his final year of duty, Manuel led the squad to five wins — the most total number of wins of UP since Season 68. A year later, UP finished in fifth place with a 6-8 record — just one game behind fourth-running FEU Tamaraws.
“That was my goal.
“In my last year, I was really particular to leave a winning culture behind, to jump-start the process, and to help build a winning program,” Manuel recalled.
With the wins coming, the recruits came dropping by as well — though Rivero’s decision to choose UP still came as a surprise to the former UP skipper.
“I was at home and then I found out about it through my youngest brother, Joaqui. I was surprised. It was one of those things that you wouldn’t expect. I was expecting like UST since coach Aldin [Ayo] was there,” shared Manuel.
“Coming from UP, it’s an exciting time for the program. Ricci is one of those great young players right now. It’s good for the program and for coach Bo [Perasol].
“Sila Paul [Desiderio] and the De Liano [brothers, Juan and Javi] are getting better. On the other hand, having Bright [Akhuetie] and Ricci will lead to more young athletes going to UP. I’m happy,” he declared.
“As a former UP player and captain, it’s fulfilling.”
However, with a strong team on paper come Season 82, the hunters will become the hunted, as there will be a huge target on the backs of the Fighting Maroons. That is why Manuel believes that the process should continue.
“It means that na mawawala na yung mentality na sana we win against these teams. We’re moving past that stage na, ngayon we have to beat them.
“One other thing for me is that it’s more than just getting talented players. Marami pang mawawala sila [Jun] Manzo and [Diego] Dario, so it would take more than just getting a superstar in Ricci. I’m confident coach Bo will do a great job,” said the 12th overall pick in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft.
And Manuel will still be there to support the process.
“With Ricci or without Ricci, my heart will always be Maroon. I’m gonna be there. Sana Final Four games na mapapanood ko and sana championship game. I will always bleed Maroon.”
