The Fighting Maroons are ready to fight for another championship in the UAAP.
The departure of Carl Tamayo and Zavier Lucero left a gaping hole in the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons frontline.
But that won’t be a problem anymore come the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament with the addition of Luis Pablo and Seven Gagate.
The two are expected to fill the shoes left by the two UP aces, who led the team to a runner-up finish in the previous season.
“Para sakin big boost sila para sa lineup this year. Nakita naman natin kakayahan nila,” said UP coach Goldwin Monteverde of the two recruits from College of Saint Benilde-La Salle Green Hills.
“Hindi sila 'yung big who will play inside. They can play from the inside and the outside and can dribble the ball. Kung iisipin natin sakto rin [pagdating nila] kasi Carl and Zave will be out na rin for the season. Pagpasok nila, perfect fit din para sa team.”
Pablo and Gagate, who are fresh from a second-place finish in the NCAA juniors' basketball competition, are thrilled to be given the chance to fill their roles.
“Sa’kin po wala naman. Gagawin lang 'yung best para ma-fill shoes nila and mag-champion. Hard work lang talaga,” said the 6-foot-7 Pablo.
The 6-foot-8 Gagate echoed his teammates' sentiment, adding he is more excited than pressured.
“More on excitement po [nafi-feel ko],” he said. “Our goal naman is to do our roles na bibigay sa’kin. Anumang role, ang gusto lang naming gawin ma-complete 'yung role para makatulong sa team. Para maging maganda results. Hopefully mag-champion po kami."
With prized recruits in Pablo, Gagate, and the 6-foot-8 Sean Alter, UP may have enough reasons to not just hope for a championship, but to contend for one.