Desiderio grateful for Mythical 5 award, eyes Final 4 for UP

FILE PHOTO. Paul Desiderio. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Consider it as the cherry on top of a great year.

With University of the Philippines finally seeing a breakthrough this UAAP Season 79, the Fighting Maroons have one last reason to celebrate with guard Paul Desiderio being named to the Mythical Five.

Averaging 15.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists this year, Desiderio led UP to a 5-9 record, good for fifth place.

He was also the first Maroon to be named since guard Marvin Cruz, who was cited as one of the league’s best performers in 2006.

But for the Cebuano guard, seeing UP in the Final Four before he graduates would be a better prize.

“I’m happy for the award, but I’m not satisfied because before I leave, I want UP to get to the Final Four,” he said.

Desiderio said that the award just drives him to perform better next season as he eyes to make his dream
for Diliman come true.

“Starting now, I’m pressuring myself to play better. People have also texted me and told me that they expect UP to make it to the Final Four, but I’m not thinking about it. i just know that I really need to work harder,” he said.

And this early, Desiderio likes the Fighting Maroons’ chances.

“We have a big chance next year. Hopefully, we get it and make it to the Final Four,” he said.

Coach Bo Perasol will have an almost intact lineup for next season, with only team captain Jett Manuel, Dave Moralde, and Henry Asilum graduating this year.