Last season saw numerous inspirational outings from Paul Desiderio. The Fighting Maroons rallied around Desderio’s ‘Atin ‘to’ mantra that resulted in a fifth-place finish – the highest finish of UP in decades.
But entering the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Basketball season, there was much pressure for the Fighting Maroons to make it to the Final Four, mostly because of their preparations for their campaign.
UP joined almost every pre-season tournament there was, while Paul Desiderio and Juan Gomez de Liano were able to pick up valuable lessons with the 23 for 2023 Gilas Cadets.
But the Fighting Maroons ended their first round with a 3-4 record– the same record they had last year. Which is why UP skipper Desiderio went out of his way to make a new rallying cry for the Fighting Maroons.
Photo from @_jeanagatha
“16 Strong”
“Sixteen Strong. Gusto ko kumbaga, sacrifice na. Ako nag-sacrifice na so gusto ko lahat kami, pagpasok, gagawa, pantay-pantay,” shared Desiderio.
Ever since the Liloan, Cebu native wore the shirt during their UE game, the Fighting Maroons have gone 2-0 to raise their slate to an even 5-5. Clearly, the rest of the team have embraced this new mantra.
“It should be total team effort. It’s not just Paul, it’s not just me, it’s not just Bright [Akhuetie]. Everyone has to step up,” shared Juan Gomez de Liano, who averaged 17.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 10.5 assists in those two games.
“Tinanggap nila. Kumbaga sinabi nila, lalaban sila para sa lahat,” added Desiderio.
“Today’s game just shows that Paul Desiderio is still Paul Desiderio,” Akhuetie declared.
Sixteen strong, indeed.
