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Maroons' lineup to be overhauled for next season

Manila, Philippines-University of the Philippines coach Rey Madrid could not hide his disappointment in their game against Adamson. (Czeasar Dancel/NPPA Images)

Before the start of the UAAP’s 77th Season, University of the Philippines head coach Rey Madrid really thought they could ‘win some.’ After finishing last season with no wins, a complete of season for Madrid and the Fighting Maroons and the entry of manager Dan Palami was supposed to equate to more wins.

After their bonfire-celebration-inducing win against the Adamson Falcons in the first round, the Maroons had the chance to actually ‘win some’ in their last game of the season, once again against the winless Falcons.

This time, however, Adamson pulled even.

It was a brutal reality check for Madrid and his wards. All the hard work, all the sweat they poured on practice and on the floor was enough to get only one win.

“We fell very short on our expectations,” Madrid said after the game.  “We fell short on the goals we have set this season.”

Still feeling the effects of losing their late game, Madrid was already busy making plans for the next season.

“To start, we need to overhaul. We have to come up with a more competitive lineup. Palagay ko naman that would be automatic [because of this season’s result],” he added. “This lineup was formed during the time na wala kaming support and UP was not a destination for student-athletes because very fickle yung support.”

Madrid and the Maroons could not claim this anymore. Palami, one of the men responsible for the meteoric rise of the Philippine Azkals, stepped in as their manager. He was the one responsible for the bonfire after UP broke its long losing skid earlier in the season. With the manager saying that they are targeting a Final Four spot in the next season, pressure is on Madrid to form a team that could do just that.

“We have done a lot of work in recruitment and player development and we need to give chance to other players,” Madrid disclosed. “I think the players have a very good idea [that not all of them would be returning next season]. Kasi keeping this lineup together kahit ganito lang yung results, it would not be deserving of the support that we’ve been getting lately.”

“Also, we’re going to be hosts,” the coach added. “There will need to be changes. There’ll be a drastic overhaul of the system.”

The UP coach declined to mention names of possible recruits who will be donning the state university’s colors next season, perhaps brought about by fear that some other school would try to poach their talents.

“Marami namang babalik na players pero there will be a shake-up. Even if the players come back, they will be shifted into other positions immediately after the season.”

For Madrid, the priority revolves around getting big men to bolster their defense. For so long UP has had to make do with small forwards playing as power forwards and centers.

“We need to improve our core. We’ve been a doughnut for so long,” he admitted.

“[There are] no guarantees [for anyone in our lineup]. As of late, we’ve been very aggressive in setting up a team that would be competitive next year. Except for exceptional talent coming along, we have already amassed a pool and we would farm from that pool.”