The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons now have a new coach in Season 84 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
The Fighting Maroons will be handled by Goldwyn Monteverde, who officially assumed the post on Friday, said UP Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo in a statement.
Monteverde was chosen over another top candidate, national women’s coach and UP alumnus Patrick Aquino.
The two became the top candidates for the post after Bo Perasol formally stepped down as head coach last July 14.
Perasol, who gave the squad five memorable seasons, is not out of the picture yet, as he will stay on as program director.
“Despite the recent pandemic measures, we have continued with our consultations with the UP community, stakeholders and supporters of the UP men’s basketball team,” said Nemenzo in his statement.
Nemenzo added that the choice of Monteverde came after interviewing numerous candidates for the post.
Monteverde, who used to handle the National University-Nazareth School in the junior division, got a more favorable response from school authorities because of his background.
Three recruits, Gilas Pilipinas cager Carl Tamayo and former Gilas Youth members Gerry Abadiano and Terrence Fortea, used to play for Monteverde when they were still in high school.
Monteverde has a solid reputation as a high school school coach, taking credit for winning titles for Chiang Kai Shek, Adamson and NU, which he steered to back-to-back UAAP juniors crowns.
Monteverde was supposed to coach the Bulldogs until last year when with the global COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of UAAP Season 83.
During the height of pandemic last year, NU experienced an exodus of players in the secondary division.
One of the holdovers in the Maroons’ roster is Ricci Rivero, who will play with newbies like Tamayo, Abadiano, Fortea, Bismarck Lina and RC Calimag, plus transferees CJ Cansino and Maodo Malick Diouf.
