Team manager Palami calls for top-to-bottom overhaul of Fighting Maroons

If he could have his way, University of the Philippines men's basketball team manager Dan Palami wants a total overhaul of the Fighting Maroons going into next year's UAAP Season 78 men's basketball tournament.

Although they ended a 27-game losing streak that spanned nearly two years with a 77-66 win over Adamson U in the first round, the Fighting Maroons still suffered another disappointing campaign as they finished seventh in the eight-team field in Season 77 with a 1-13 win-loss record.

The losing campaign compounded the woes of UP, which has missed the Final Four round since 1997.

And in order to reverse their fortunes around going to next season when they will serve as the host school, Palami is convinced "drastic actions" should be taken, stressing "all positions should be open in the team."

The man mainly credited for the renaissance of the country's national football team, Palami also called for open tryouts that will include current and aspiring cagers plus a “clear, complete and doable program for the team, the existing coaching staff and applicant coaches.”

Aside from continued improvements, Palami has also set the bar higher, challenging the Fighting Maroons to advance to the semifinals next season.

But it's easier said than done, however. “If we are to drag ourselves out of this quagmire, drastic action has to be taken,” said Palami.

“The question is, do we have the decision makers who have the political will to do it? I’m not a basketball expert but everything should be studied,” he added. “Of course, with the support of the UP administration, we hope that we can improve the program.”