University of the Philippines president Jijil Jimenez hosted a significant meeting on Monday.
The gathering brought together key officials, including University of the Philippines Integrated School administrators, the Office of Athletics and Sports Development, and the Men’s Basketball Team management.
The primary agenda was to lay the foundation for the integration of the UPIS and UPMBT basketball programs, a development that has been under consideration for some time.
Last year, Bo Perasol, the director of UP OASD, emphasized the importance of merging the two programs.
He even went as far as endorsing UPMBT head coach Goldwin Monteverde to assume the role of head coach for the integrated initiative.
Perasol explained, “To ensure the sustainability of the program, especially now that UP’s aspirations are high, is to have an integrated and well-coordinated basketball program from high school to college.”
The meeting revealed that Monteverde – who has two UAAP Boys’ Basketball championships and one Men’s Basketball championship under his belt – is being endorsed to become the program director.
Additionally, a new and young tactician will assume the role of UPIS head coach, indicating a fresh approach to revitalizing the high school basketball program.
UPIS has faced challenges in recent years, failing to make the Final Four since UAAP Season 69.
Over the last four seasons, the team has garnered just four wins.
The integration aims to streamline the development of players from the high school level to the collegiate level, fostering a seamless transition that could potentially elevate UP’s basketball program.
Beyond the integration discussions, the meeting also touched upon initial preparations for UP’s hosting of UAAP Season 87.
