The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons did pretty good in their European training camp that even the respected former Gilas Pilipinas coach Rajko Toroman was impressed.
Toroman was quoted as saying the Maroons now have what it takes to go all the way in their redemption drive for the coming UAAP season with their vast potential.
And to think the Maroons are still in the middle of their preparations that could be a strong warning to their UAAP rivals, reigning champion Ateneo included.
UP Sports Director Bo Perasol said Toroman was one of the delighted spectators during one of their games in the Serbian capital of Belgrade where the ex-Gilas tactician started his decorated coaching career.
The Maroons, mentored by Goldwin Monteverde, dropped only one game in eight games, a record that speaks well about the team’s preparedness ˗ cohesion in particular.
What made UP’s two-week training more remarkable was that the Maroons were able to get back at the team that handed them their only defeat.
Drawing inspired games from Maimai Cagulangan and Malick Diouf, UP pulled off a vengeful 70-68 win over Borac Zemun – a club team of Belgrade. They also beat Bosnia’s Under-19 national team twice, including a convincing 82-65.
Perasol and Monteverde described the team’s first training camp as very productive.
“It was a fruitful camp for us not only in terms if the training and games but in terms of the camaraderie and deeper relationships that were formed between the new and old players,” said Perasol.
The Maroons arrived last Tuesday but are set to leave for Korea on Aug. 20 for a 12-day training camp – one that will focus more on their speed and marksmanship. – REY C. LACHICA
