Reigning Most Valuable Player Malick Diouf of University of the Philippines wishes nothing but to leave behind a winning legacy in his farewell tour in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines as a Fighting Maroon.
“This is my last playing year and it’s really special for me,” the 6-foot-11 center said.
The graduating Senegalese helped UP get back into the finals for the third straight time after getting rid of a familiar championship foe in Ateneo de Manila University in the Season 86 men’s basketball Final Four last Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Diouf starred in the Fighting Maroons’ 57-46 bashing of the Blue Eagles, submitting 12 points, 16 rebounds, three steals, three blocks and an assist.
With Ateneo eliminated, UP takes on a different rival for the crown.
This time, the Fighting Maroons will face a streaking De La Salle University in a best-of-three title showdown in their mission to reclaim the title they lost last season.
Game 1 is on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Diouf, who bagged the Season 84 Finals MVP, is making sure that his last hurrah will be a memorable one.
“I need to finish with something good, we have a common goal and finishing with a trophy would be good and great for me and my team. We can do it,” Diouf said.
While the 24-year-old outgoing foreign student-athlete seeks to end his collegiate career with a bang, rookie Francis Lopez hopes to make a mark in his finals debut.
The athletic Rookie of the Year frontrunner delivered a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds in the semifinals — numbers that he has been consistently bringing to the table.
“There’s been some ups and downs but coaches have been telling me that you just gotta move on and keep on learning from the mistakes I have made,” Lopez said.
“I’m just happy that we got this win (over Ateneo). I know that it’s a tough win but it’s gonna be tougher in the finals because that’s the finals games. I’m just really happy but the job is not done for us. Our mission is two more wins.”
Lopez, who just last season was cheering at the Ateneo sidelines during the finals against UP, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to play for the Fighting Maroons.
He was expected to suit up for the Blue Eagles before switching to the other side of Katipunan.
“What matters is where I’m at right now, which is UP. I have such an amazing feeling. I feel blessed that I’m here and I have no regrets about transferring to UP,” he said.
