University of the Philippines boasts one of the deepest rosters in the eight-team field of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.
After two consecutive silver finishes, the Fighting Maroons are now embracing their depth in their quest for redemption.
Mark Belmonte, a winger on the talent-packed Fighting Maroons roster, is steadily rising within the Katipunan-based squad.
The 6-foot-7 sophomore made a statement in their recent 89-62 win over National University. He led the team with a UAAP career-high 14 points on an impressive 6-of-7 shooting.
This victory kept UP’s record unblemished at 3-0.
While Belmonte may reflect on his roots as a star in local leagues, his focus is firmly on seizing the moment he’s long dreamed of.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Naging motivation ko ay bumalik lang ako kung saan ako nagsimula. Nagsimula kasi ako sa liga-liga lang, tapos napunta ako dito,” Belmonte shared.
“Naisip ko, nandito na ako – hindi ko na sasayangin ito. Ibibigay ko talaga yung best ko.”
Belmonte’s growth goes beyond just basketball.
In his two-year stint with UP, he has also developed as an individual, shaped by the university’s strong culture and character-building environment.
This personal growth was particularly evident in how Belmonte handled a difficult incident with John Amores during one of his early appearances for the Fighting Maroons at the UCBL Preseason Tournament in 2022.
Despite suffering severe injuries to his lower gum and lips from a punch thrown by Amores, Belmonte chose to focus on maturity rather than holding onto resentment.
“Hindi naman siya dagdag pressure. Kasama naman sa game ‘yon eh. Mas importante sakin kung paano kami magpatawad, kaya okay na sa’kin ‘yon,” the 20-year-old from Calumpit, Bulacan, said.
Even though his playing minutes aren’t guaranteed in a lineup crowded with talent – including Aldous Torculas and Francis Lopez – Belmonte remains ready to contribute whenever his name is called.
He understands that his role may not be consistent, but his commitment to the team’s title hopes is unwavering.
This mentality is reinforced by the guidance of UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde, who constantly reminds Belmonte to stay confident and trust that good things will come his way if he keeps working hard.
“Sabi sa akin ni Coach Gold, maging ready ako kung gagamitin ako or hindi. Basta kung ano yung maitutulong ko sa team pag pinasok ako, ibibigay ko yung best ko,” the Oxfordian Colleges product noted.
“Ang lalim nga ng roster namin, kaya wala naman mawawala kung ibibigay ko yung best ko tapos makakatulong pa ako sa team.”
Belmonte’s resilience and determination to make the most of his opportunities will undoubtedly serve UP well as they continue their march toward the championship.
