University of the Philippines will continue to run the successful basketball system of head coach Goldwin Monteverde for the next five seasons after the mentor signed a contract extension with the Fighting Maroons.
The architect of the Diliman-based school’s last University Athletic Association of the Philippines title two years ago agreed to remain at the helm, the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development announced on Monday.
Monteverde will get another crack at settling an unfinished business following back-to-back runner-up finishes since ending a 36-year championship drought with a dramatic title conquest in Season 84 under a pandemic bubble setup.
OASD director Bo Perasol believes that by having Monteverde at the helm, UP’s basketball program will continue to flourish.
“UP MBT management is committed to establishing continuity in the program to ensure the winning culture developed under coach Gold is sustained,” Perasol said.
Monteverde replaced Perasol in 2021 and instilled a championship mentality in his players despite the uncertainties of the then ravaging coronavirus pandemic.
A former Fighting Maroon himself who played in the 1986 champion squad, Monteverde with key pieces in foreign student-athlete Malick Diouf, Carl Tamayo, Ricci Rivero and JD Cagulangan ended the school’s more than three decades of wait to be crowned champions. UP toppled the dynastic rule of Ateneo de Manila University in the finals in a thrilling three-game series win.
UP president Angelo Jimenez and Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II gave their blessing on the fresh agreement between the brilliant tactician and UP MBT management according to Perasol.
This development came at the heels of the Maroons getting a shot in the arm after securing the support of banking giant Bank of the Philippine Islands through the help of supportive alumni.
“UP MBT management is working on all fronts to further strengthen the team. We’re not just focused on the team lineup but also on making sure that we have a solid coaching staff, as well as the financial resources needed to support our basketball program,” Perasol said.
The Fighting Maroons management, likewise, are throwing their all-out support to Monteverde.
“The Fighting Maroons faithful agree that coach Gold should be given the reins of the team, as his record the past three seasons speaks for itself,” UP basketball manager Atty. Agaton Uvero said.
Aside from bringing UP to three straight finals appearances, Monteverde has also overseen the development of Season 85 Most Valuable Player Malick Diouf, Tamayo, Lucero, Cagulangan, CJ Cansino and Season 86 Rookie of the Year Francis Lopez.
“Under coach Gold, the team’s record has improved year-to-year, but our decision is not based on his performance alone. His conduct and demeanor on and off the court has been exemplary and this is the kind of mentorship we believe our players can benefit from,” Uvero said.
The Fighting Maroons are currently building their arms for Season 87.
