Opening day win ushers in new era for the UP Maroons

UP Fighting Maroons coaching staff led by head coach Rensy Bajar. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

The sweeping changes in the University of the Philippines camp is evident.

From a new logo to new coaching staff, the Fighting Maroons translated those changes on the court with a 62-55 opening day victory against University of the East on Saturday.

READ: UP trumps UE, opens UAAP season 78 on winning note

It was breakthrough of sorts for UP, which won its opening day assignment for the first time in four years or since it beat UE, 69-61, back on July 14, 2011.

For head coach Rensy Bajar, the victory is the evidence of the hardwork put in by the young squad in the offseason, all hoping to erase the bitter memories of past seasons’ campaigns.

“Parang napakasarap ng feeling as a coach and para sa mga bata na since last year, grabe na yung pagtitiyaga nila sa practices namin,” he said. “Eventually, ito na nga yung naging resulta. Nag-payoff lahat yung mga paghihirap ng mga bata.”

(The feeling is so sweet as a coach and for the players who since last year, has been working so hard in our practices. Eventually, this was the result. All of their work paid off.)

READ: UAAP Season 78 Preview: New season ‘blank page’ for UP Maroons

Even with the Red Warriors charging back, the Maroons held their ground and kept them at bay for the victory, and that’s the mentality Bajar and deputy Joe Ward wants his players to carry all-season long.

“Yun yung nangyari nung huli. Kahit na naghabol yung UE, naniwala yung mga players na they will win this game. And that’s what we want for them this season,” said Bajar.

(That’s what happened in the end. Even though UE made a late run, the players believed that they will win this game. And that’s what we want for them this season.)

UP is backed with fresh faces on the coaching staff. With the exception of Poch Juinio, all of Bajar’s assistants are all newbies in the Maroons bench.

READ: UP dazzles in UAAP Season 78 opening show

Junior Maroons coach Allan Gregorio finally made his ascent to the seniors team, and Bajar also had former Maroon Mo Gingerich on the sidelines.

Ex-UP gunner Woody Co is also there as a manager, assisting the team together with team manager Dan Palami.

Bajar is optimistic with the support the Fighting Maroons have garnered, which he said is essential for UP’s journey in season 78.

“Masaya kami. At the same time, nagtutulungan lahat para makuha yung gusto nating mangyari which is yung mga panalo,” he said.

(We’re happy. At the same time, we’re all helping out to get what we want which is the victories.)

UP faces La Salle next on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.