Glass cannon: How UP wasted another season

By: Lawrence Clark D. Fernandez

“Glass cannon” is a term in gaming used to describe a character with immense offensive ability but in return can also be easily killed.

Twice to beat, twice beaten.

In what many expected to be a parade to the finals, the UP Fighting Maroons are once again on the outside looking in. Finishing 2^nd place the previous season and bolstered by the additions of Ricci Rivero and Kobe Paras, the iskos and iskas of UP were already daydreaming of raising the coveted UAAP Men’s basketball trophy – a title they haven’t won since 1986.

But UP’s start to the season was mired in inconsistency and even controversy with Bo Perasol being suspended two games by the league. Kobe Paras showed flashes of brilliance but oftentimes was just out of control, lacking maturity in his game. Bright Akhuetie, last season’s MVP, has seen his game take a step back. Rivero’s flashy plays and nifty drives, while entertaining, resulted in inefficient scoring.

UP also had the bad luck of drawing UST in the playoffs, a team that swept them in the elimination round. With the emergence of Rhenz Abando, Rookie of the Year Mark Nonoy, and league MVP Chabi Yo, UP’s advantages were all negated. The Fighting Maroons, while enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage, were even considered as the underdog.

And so, UP has wasted yet another season and is left licking their wounds. Personally, I expect UP to come out of this a better team and start next season with a vengeance.