Goldwin hopes to heal UP heartbreaks with fresh recruits

Goldwin hopes to heal UP heartbreaks with fresh recruits

FALLING short of the ultimate prize in the final hurdle for two consecutive seasons in UAAP men’s basketball remains a bitter pill to swallow for the UUniversity of the Philippines. Nevertheless, echoing the team’s rallying cry, the ‘UP Fight’ perseveres with an unwavering determination to ascend.

In his initial three seasons as head coach of the Fighting Maroons, Goldwin Monteverde  has led the team to the finals each time he’s been at the helm — clinching victory in Game One during the last two championship showdowns, only to falter in the subsequent matches against Ateneo in Season 85 and La Salle in Season 86.

READ: UP Maroons’ loss to La Salle in finals still stings for JD Cagulangan

Despite the sting of these defeats, Monteverde views them as catalysts for UP’s resolve in reclaiming the championship after two years of being the runner-up. He emphasizes how such setbacks serve as poignant reminders, fueling the team’s motivation to avoid reliving the pain.

“‘Yung pain ng ganung [pagkatalo sa Finals], laging nandyan but it’s always gonna be a motivation for us. Siyempre, kapag masakit ‘yung isang bagay, ayaw mong mangyari ulit eh. So hangga’t maari, you do your best not to feel, not have that feeling (again),” he said.

cj cansino up maroons vs ateneo uaap

PHOTO: Patrick Romero

“But ang importante lang right now is just to get to yung 100 percent namin before magstart ‘yung Season (87),”

With only four players remaining from UP’s Season 84 championship squad — JD Cagulangan, Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, and Terrence Fortea — Monteverde acknowledges the vital role these senior figures play in nurturing and passing on the team’s resilient ethos to the new generation of Fighting Maroons.

“‘Yung pag-alis naman ng ibang members ng Season 84, nagsama (pa rin) sila ng Season 85 so kahit papano, ‘yung culture ng team, naipakita nila, or in a way, na-influence ‘yung mga bagong dumating so eventually it’s gonna continue naman,” Monteverde said.

Dawn of a new era in UP

UP will parade at least six debutants over the next two seasons. Eligible for the upcoming season are former La Salle Greenhills ace Josh Coronel, ex-University of the East standout Gani Stevens, Fil-American standout Denzil Walker and Nigerian big man Dikachi Udodo.

Meanwhile, the likes of Season 86 Mythical Five member Rey Remogat and Fil-American hotshot Miguel Yñiguez will be serving their residency year before joining the squad come Season 88 next year.

Monteverde expresses confidence in the potential of these recruits to fill the gaps left by departing seniors and leave their mark in UP’s history.

With a promising recruitment haul, Monteverde exudes optimism about the team’s prospects. He highlights the commitment of players like Stevens and Seven Gagate to fulfill crucial roles, acknowledging the challenges but trusting in their dedication and hard work.

“Right now, ‘yung mga eligible naman would be si Josh Coronel who’s going to play this season at saka si Denzil Walker. Sila Noy (Remogat), definitely has a big impact sa team, but siyempre, for next season pa siya and si Miguel Yñiguez. Sa mga practices naman namin, they’re really doing fine, really look (sharp) and they’re getting along really good.”

Monteverde added: “[Gani Stevens and Seven Gagate] are very committed na ma-fill ‘yung (big man) role na ‘yun. Even sa mga FSA na nakarating sa’min, it’s a big role to fill but siyempre, naniniwala naman tayo through hard work mapupuno naman nila ‘yun.”

A busy preseason schedule awaits UP as Monteverde bared upcoming plans for the team to host overseas training camps, including trips to Serbia in June and Korea in August — both countries visited by the Fighting Maroons in the last couple of seasons.