UP Maroons cap UAAP buildup in Kaohsiung

KAOHSIUNG CITY—For the UP Fighting Maroons, there’s nowhere to go but up.

The Maroons are aiming to jumpstart their coming UAAP campaign when they tackle I-Shou University at the opening of the Buddha Light Cup University basketball tournament at Kaohsiung Arena here.

“This tournament will help us get into peak form in time for the UAAP,” said UP head coach Rey Madrid, who took over the coaching reins halfway through the 2013 season.

Determined to turn things around after losing all 14 games last year, the Maroons will play five collegiate teams here from China, Japan, South Korea and the host country to cap a 30-game buildup for the UAAP.

The 77th UAAP basketball season gets underway July 12 with the Fighting Maroons, who found a benefactor in Philippine Azkals team manager Dan Palami, taking on the UE Red Warriors at Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Playmaker Miguel Antonio Reyes and wingman Dave Moralde will handle the backcourt chores while forwards Moriah Joel Gingerich and Joseph Rey Gallarza are tasked to pound it inside along with veteran center Mark Kevin Juruena.

Support will come from guards Renzar Asilum, Diego Dario, Kyles Lao and Agustini Amar Jr. and shaded lane operators Andrew Michael Harris and Christopher Angelo Vito.

“Our goal is to instill a positive attitude that could hopefully begin a winning trend,” said Madrid.

“We’re looking to at least win three games.” UP Chancellor Michael Tan, UP College of Human Kinetics dean Ronualdo Dizer and assistant coach Poch Juinio also joined the Maroons.