Minus three stars, guards-heavy Maroons fight to keep supremacy
Some of the most prominent figures that gave University of the Philippines (UP) two UAAP men’s basketball championships in four years have departed Diliman, leaving the responsibility to defend the throne on the shoulders of what’s left of what was an ultratalented core.
And the coaching staff sees this as the perfect chance to rebuild that nucleus.
“This is the perfect time for us to sort of mix and match our lineups,” assistant coach Christian Luanzon said as the Maroons also kicked off their quest for a third straight FilOil EcoOil Preseason title, effectively starting life without JD Cagulangan, Francis Lopez and Quentin Millora-Brown.
Some of those left to hold the fort are Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres and Terrence Fortea and a transferee from University of the East, ex-star Red Warriors guard Rey Remogat.
That would make for a stacked guard lineup, as the UP coaching staff shapes a young frontcourt into real Fighting Maroons in time for Season 88 of the country’s premier collegiate league.
“[Seven Gagate and the others] just have to stay ready. Sean [Alter] also is somebody we can mention and obviously Mark [Belmonte] with the departure of Francis [Lopez],” Luanzon said.
