UP Fighting Maroons Aim for Historic Back-to-Back UAAP Titles in Season 88

MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons are focused on securing their first-ever consecutive UAAP men’s basketball championships despite key player departures. Following their historic Season 84 title in 2022 and a close Season 85 finals loss, the Maroons remain confident with a strong roster and a steadfast mindset.

Assistant coach Christian Luanzon emphasized the team’s internal standards as the primary source of pressure rather than external expectations. He stated, "In terms of pressure, the only pressure we put on is the standards we put on our team and the players put on themselves more than the outside circumstances, whatever people are saying."

The squad welcomes new floor general Rey Remogat, a former Mythical Five member from UE, who is expected to bolster an already deep backcourt including Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Reyland Torres, Janjan Felicilda, and Jacob Bayla. Coach Goldwin Monteverde’s frontline features a dominant trio of Sean Alter, Gani Stevens, and Francis Nnoruka.

To build team chemistry and experience, UP conducted intensive training camps in Serbia and Korea and competed in the World University Basketball Series in Japan. Luanzon reflected on these preparations: "We had good experiences there, trying to build our team and the chemistry that we’ve been looking for and all of that on and off the court."

Among their main competitors are the La Salle Green Archers, who remain formidable despite losing two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao, and the UST Growling Tigers, who aim to end their championship drought dating back to 2006.

Luanzon reiterated the team’s commitment to excellence, stressing, "Our expectation is the same as always: our commitment to excellence in terms of giving everything on the court." He added, "Coach Gold always reminds the players that they represent more than themselves, not just the name on their backs."

UP will commence their title defense when they face the UST Growling Tigers at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday, September 21.