By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of the Philippines coach Goldwin Monteverde credited the support of the school community in the Maroons’ historic seventh straight Final Four appearance in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.
“Well, for me, it’s the whole community itself, hindi naman namin kaya kung kami lang,” said Monteverde after UP’s 70-65 escape over Adamson to book their semifinal ticket.
“With support from everybody, kami we’re just part of the whole thing sa [UP]. On my part, being a coach, proud kami na being able to be at Final Four lagi,” he added.
Coming off a dismal 0-2 start, the Maroons roared back with a four-game winning streak before being halted by La Salle, 72-69.
But the Maroons immediately recovered, bouncing back with five straight victories to claim the second spot.
It also boosted their chance of claiming the last semis incentive after league-leading National University (11-2) clinched the first bonus.
Mainstays Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, Reyland Torres, and Janjan Felicilda made sure they provided the leadership their teammates needed through thick and thin.
“Malaking bagay lalo na sa amin kasi last year na namin, ang goal talaga namin is makapasok sa Final Four at makuha ang championship,” said Abadiano. “And marami pa kaming kailangang i-improve, alam naming magiging mahirap ‘yon.”
“Siguro sobrang eager, kasi final year na namin ‘to… so wala nang balikan, wala nang bawian, kaya [we’ll] give nalang namin ‘yong best namin,” Torres added.
Also providing a boost for UP were Francis Nnoruka, Gani Stevens, and Noy Remogat, who are evidently adjusting well to the system, a transition that has translated into their stellar showings this season.
The Maroons have two remaining games against the Ateneo Blue Eagles (5-6) this Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, followed by another finals rematch with the Green Archers on Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
