Another sponsor comes into the fold for the University of the Philippines men’s basketball team.
In a press conference held at the Melmac Sports Management office in Libis, Quezon City Thursday afternoon, the UP Fighting Maroons, headed by team manager Dan Palami, announced their new partner for the next UAAP season. Chooks-to-Go, a major player in the roasted chicken retail business, has pledged their support to the UP Fighting Maroons throughout their campaign for the 79th season of the UAAP.
“We will support the pre-season games and training as well as the entire campaign of the UP Fighting Maroons in the 79th UAAP Season. This involves full merchandising, meal provisions, life-coaching, and personal development of the team and staff as we encourage the players to be shining examples of true sportsmanship, on and off the court,” said president and general manager of Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. (BAVI) Ronald Mascariñas.
Palami welcomes the help and the challenge of the BAVI executives to the team. “I think the challenge of being examples of sportsmanship is doable,” he said.
Newly-installed Team Captain Jett Manuel, who will be coming back for his final playing year also added, “We thank Chooks-to-Go for helping the team. Now, it is not just the culture of winning, but also the culture of sportsmanship, that we will be bringing back.”
Mascariñas said that the choice of the Fighting Maroons is purely providential. Aside from being an UP alumnus himself, and with most executives also from the State University, BAVI was looking for a team who could further their advocacy of true sportsmanship.
In the same press conference, Palami admitted that they are still in the process of selecting the new Head Coach of the Fighting Maroons. “The short list is still with the Chancellor’s office,” he said. The team manager also added that former Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach and former UP Fighting Maroon Bo Perasol is at the top of the list.
Palami furthered that the new head tactician will be made public in a few days.