The Maroons definitely have #nowheretogobutUP as they are geared up for greatness this upcoming UAAP Season 81 after returning from a two-week Serbian basketball training camp led by head coach Bo Perasol.
Perasol is optimistic in reaching the semis as he believes his team now has what it takes to take on perennial powerhouses Far Eastern University, La Salle and defending champs Ateneo.
The Maroons’ training camp focused on individual players’ skills as well as strength and conditioning with Perasol noting he was satisfied with how the training turned out.
State U hasn’t made it to the semis in more than 20 years as Perasol plans to take it step by step.
Their team isn’t coming in as a slouch as they have clutch guard Paul Desiderio, 6-foot-5 swiss army knife Javi Gomez de Liano, floor general Jun Manzo and towering rookie center Bright Akhuetie to lead the team.
The coaching staff is also reportedly working on the team’s maturity and chemistry – both vital aspects to their campaign.
Perasol also believes building a strong character is very vital in their quest for success.
“We’re very grateful to former Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla, 3M, J.J. Atencio, Robinson’s Supermarket, Handyman and Mighty Sports’ Caesar Wongchuking for their support to be able to train here [Serbia],” he added.
Serbia is one of Europe’s top basketball countries having produced the likes of Vlade Divac, Nikola Jokic, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Milos Teodosic.
The UP Fighting Maroons Euro stint is its own response to their rivals’ own massive prep.
La Salle went to South Korea to meet with Asian basketball legend Shin Dong Pa – who might prove to be a huge source of inspiration for the Green Archers.
Meanwhile, Ateneo’s Jones Cup stint was no fluke as it stunned other teams, including Taiwan, to surprisingly finish fourth.
With this kind of preparation our college clubs are having, UAAP Season 81 will certainly have an intense season.