Perasol takes over marooned UP quintet

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

BO PERASOL will still be in the thick of UAAP men’s basketball action as University of the Philippines formally appointed the former Ateneo mentor yesterday as its new head coach.

“I’ll give it a try so we can at least improve our standings,” said Perasol, as he takes over a squad that has wallowed in the cellar for over a decade.

“I think now I know what it takes to have a team that can compete, although in reality, UP’s program remains behind. But I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

Team manager Dan Palami said Perasol will call the shots for at least two years, as the embattled Maroons welcome their fourth coach in as many seasons.

“What made things easier is he’s from UP,” said Palami. “So you don’t have to question where his heart truly is. Aside from that, he has a good track record as a coach.”

Perasol, who also served as a head coach in the PBA, had a three-year, roller-coaster run with the Blue Eagles after taking over a team fresh off five straight titles under coach Norman Black.

Last year, the Maroons finished with a woeful 3-11 record under coach Rensy Bajar.