Diouf has had one heck of a career in the UAAP, but he wants more.
The UP Fighting Maroons are coming into UAAP Season 86 fully focused on bringing back the championship to Diliman.
Despite the loss of key players like Carl Tamayo, Zavier Lucero, and Henry Galinato, UP was able to snap up the services of several of the top high school recruits in the country. Adding to that, Francis Lopez has also been cleared to play in the upcoming season.
Still at the forefront of the Fighting Maroons’ attack, however, will be Malick Diouf. In Season 85, where he won MVP, the 6-foot-11 big man averaged 10.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.5 steals.
Diouf is expected to be a top contender for the award once more, but the Season 84 Finals MVP is not thinking about individual accolades at all.
“I don't have to think right now about the MVP because sayang we did not win the championship, so this coming year, I think we need to focus on the games, playing better, and we have a common goal,” Diouf said in an interview with One Sports.
Diouf, who will play his final year with UP, is hoping to bring home another title not just for himself, but also for his teammates who are also set to leave college ball after Season 86, like team captain CJ Cansino.
“I really want to leave UP with a championship,” said Diouf. “They will all know this Season 86, some of the players graduate with honor, graduate with trophy, so I think that's my big big wish right now.”
Given the talent that UP has, along with the expertise of coach Goldwin Monteverde, the UP program has been enjoying top dog status in the UAAP in recent years.
it’s not hard to see the Fighting Maroons going for the title once more this year.
Season 86 starts on September 30.
(GM)