University of the Philippines wants its ex-head coach Bo Perasol to still be part of the team in some capacity.
A day after Perasol resigned as Fighting Maroons head coach, team manager Atty. Agaton Uvero and College of Human Kinetics dead Kiko Diaz have offered the 49-year-old mentor a position on the team’s management. The idea is to help in the MBT’s transition to its new head coach.
“We have asked Coach Bo to remain with the team management to guide the transition and ensure the sustainability of the program,” said Uvero.
“We earnestly hope he will remain with team management to ensure the continuity of the program,” added Diaz.
Perasol took the position of UP head coach prior to UAAP Season 79 after three years in Ateneo.
In Season 79, UP went 5-9 before going 6-8 a year later.
During his third year at the help, UP ended a 32-year Finals drought in Men’s Basketball. They eventually finished second to Ateneo.
In what ended up as his last year, UP won bronze in Season 82.
“The past UAAP seasons with Coach Bo have been truly memorable for the team, as well as our supporters, sponsors, and the whole UP community. Right now, we have less than a handful of players from seasons past in the pool and a lot of young, talented recruits just waiting for their turn to represent our beloved State U. We are not just rebuilding, we are really starting again,” reflected Uvero.
However, the cancellation of Season 83 and the postponement of Season 84 changed everything — including Perasol’s plans.
“Coach Bo promised to coach for another season after S82. After the cancellation of S83 and the rescheduling of S84, we were hopeful he would still remain as Coach. Regrettably, he wants the team to have a fresh start next season under a new head coach, with all the new players now,” said Diaz.
“A ‘reboot’ as he said.”
Perasol has already left a shortlist of possible candidates on who will fill the post he left.
Now, it’s about studying who is best suited to run the team. They are also waiting for the decision of school chancellor Fidel Nemenzo.
“We are now vetting the list submitted by Coach Bo and we will make a formal announcement as soon as a decision is made by the UP Diliman Chancellor, after proper consultations with the UP community, stakeholders, supporters, and sponsors of the team,” said Diaz.
“In the meantime, we will wait for UP’s decision on the new head coach of the UP Men’s Basketball Team,” added Uvero.
“We will forever be grateful to everyone who has been part of this unfinished journey.”
