A team full of potential.
The number of PBA draftees from the UP Fighting Maroons has grown exponentially in recent years.
Why wouldn’t it? UP has become one of the top teams in the UAAP—as proven by the squad's number one seed heading into the Final Four this Season 86.
Given the former Fighting Maroons that are currently playing in the PBA, they are sure to give it their all and show the UP brand of basketball that fans have come to know as of late.
From seeing the PBA x UAAP lineups of the UST Growling Tigers, Ateneo Blue Eagles, FEU Tamaraws, Adamson Soaring Falcons, NU Bulldogs, De La Salle Green Archers, and UE Red Warriors, it’s time now to see the starting five of UP in the PBA to close out this series.
Jaydee Tungcab (Season 81 to Season 82)
The 6-foot-2 Tungcab was a late addition to the Fighting Maroons roster after leaving the Adamson Soaring Falcons in Season 79.
Despite his limited minutes in UP and now with the TNT Tropang Giga, Tungcab has proven time and time again that he can be a reliable defender and playmaker when given ample opportunities.
Ricci Rivero (Season 82 to Season 84)
Rivero may have faced non-basketball issues in his career, but outside of that, nobody can deny the talent he has when hooping.
In his short stint with the Fighting Maroons, Rivero proved that he can be a reliable scorer. He was also a huge part of UP’s historic championship romp in Season 84.
Now with the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA, Rivero has already become the steal of the draft for many fans. Should he continue his solid performances, the flashy guard will indeed be a PBA superstar soon.
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Javi Gomez de Liano (Season 79 to Season 83)
A homegrown UP talent is now showing off in the PBA. Before UP’s stacked lineups in the UAAP, JGDL was a flat-out scorer for the Fighting Maroons from Season 79 to 81.
Shortly after his collegiate career, de Liaño played professionally in Japan for one season before returning to the Philippines to play in the PBA.
It might have taken him some time, but de Liaño has proven to be a reliable scorer for the Terrafirma Dyip, which was highlighted by his career-high 31 points versus the NLEX Road Warriors.
Zavier Lucero (Season 84 to Season 85)
While Lucero has yet to officially play in the PBA as he recovers from his knee injury, the 6-foot-7's accolades in the UAAP are already a testament to the kind of winning mentality he can bring to the NorthPort Batang Pier.
In his very first year in Diliman, Lucero was tagged as UP’s "Zavior,” as the team brought home the title for the first time in 36 years.
In his second season, Lucero averaged 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. He and the rest of the Fighting Maroons were on track for a repeat before his injury came in Game 2 of the finals against the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Who knows what could have happened in Game 3? But now that he’s in the PBA, many fans are already awaiting what type of energy he will display.
Raul Soyud (Season 75 to Season 76)
The oldest in the bunch, but certainly not one to back down from any challenge. Soyud has been a reliable big man for the PBA teams he’s been on since 2014.
His best season came in 2020 when the 6-foot-6 Soyud averaged 10.0 points and 6.8 rebounds for the NLEX Road Warriors.
With this young and talented all-UP lineup, Soyud, who's now with Phoenix, is expected to bring in veteran leadership as well as become an enforcer of the team.
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Breaking down the team
This group is brimming with talent and potential. It’s also a plus that most of them have played together during their time in Diliman.
They have enough options on the offensive side, with JGDL possibly carrying most of the load, while also having players who are capable of defending multiple positions.
Size in the center position will be a slight issue for this five, but don't expect these guys to just hand out wins on a maroon platter.
(PM)