After scoring a breakthrough triumph, the University of the Philippines drew not only a well of support but the inspiration to aspire for a loftier goal—a Final Four stint.
“Now that we have a lot of supporters coming in, we’re looking at the long-term,” said UP team manager Dan Palami. “[The semifinals] will be the target because UP is the host next year so we need to do better.”
The Maroons set a pragmatic three-win target this year, and nailed one versus a rookie-laden Adamson, 77-64, in a battle of winless teams last Saturday.
That was enough for the long-suffering Maroons to stage a euphoric bonfire celebration in campus as the victory also snapped their 27-game losing skid.
“The bigger win was being able to unite the UP community off the court,” said Palami. “For us, it’s a sign of the UP community waking up.”
Palami said rebuilding has started for the Maroons, who, before Saturday’s triumph, won only a pitiful 10 games in 105 outings in the last eight seasons.
“Of course we’re looking at strengthening the current crop of players as well as looking at new players,” said Palami, adding that the team already sent “competent people to identify talent” overseas.
Palami, though, knows more work lies ahead even if many expect him to replicate his role in the rise of Philippine football as team manager of the Azkals.
“I think that’s the reason they invited me to manage the team—whatever I did for the Azkals, they hope I can do for the Maroons,” said Palami. “But I told them it’s not magic, it’s just hard work. We have to make sure we have a strong team, recruitment program and proper organization.”
Picking up more wins, of course, remains as the immediate goal starting in the second round of eliminations this weekend.
“I think we’ll just concentrate on getting that second win,” said Palami. “That first win against Adamson will hopefully start our momentum.”