Maroons tighten up preps in Japan

By: Leobert Julian A.de la Peña

AFTER a series of training camps and invitational tournaments in Taiwan and Serbia, the UP Fighting Maroons are now on their last overseas camp in Japan.

Coach Bo Perasol and the coaching staff are finalizing things for the Fighting Maroons as they put up the strongest lineup that will compete for the championship this season.

Stalwarts Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero are done serving their one-year residency as transferees and will be activated on opening game day.

With the added firepower, the powerhouse UP squad has high hopes of contending for the UAAP championship and will look to dethrone the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

UAAP MVP Bright Akhuetie, leftie point guard Juan Gomez de Liano, quick shooting guard June Manzo, Paras and Rivero are the projected starting five for last season’s runner-ups.

The Fighting Maroons will fly back to Manila on August 19, 2019, just in time for the opening day on September 1.