New UP coach confident
DESPITE all the uncertainties regarding the resumption of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament, coach Goldwin Monteverde is looking forward in handling University of the Philippines.
Monteverde’s appointment as the new Fighting Maroons head coach was announced by the university last Thursday.
“I am very grateful and deeply honored for my recent appointment as the new UPMBT coach. It has been my dream to coach at the college level after years of success at the juniors level,” Monteverde in a statement through the team’s social media accounts Wednesday night.
“Let me assure UP officials and the UP community that I accept this big responsibility mindful of the great expectations from the community and I commit to work even harder to achieve our common dreams,” he added.
Monteverde took the position vacated by Bo Perasol, who handled the squad for six years and steered the Maroons to a Finals appearance in 2018.
UP will be on a rebuilding mode, with Monterverde’s former juniors players Carl Tamayo, Gerry Abadiano and Terrence Fortea serving as a foundation to help the Diliman-based squad.
With what Perasol achieved for the Maroons in the previous seasons, Monteverde is ready to face all the challenges ahead.
“I am proud to say that my kids are both from UP, with one having recently graduated. I now share the Maroon pride and I hope to add my contribution to UP’s tradition of honor and excellence. UP FIGHT!” Monteverde said.
A two-time UAAP high school champion for Nazareth School of National University, Monteverde was supposed to lead the Bulldogs after his successful run with the Bullpups in the UAAP high school basketball tournament but he suddenly resigned last year.
As face-to-face practices still not allowed, Monteverde will conduct online trainings for the meantime.
