UP Maroons fly to Serbia for training ahead of UAAP season 81

UP Fighting Maroons during the the signing of the partnership with Nxled and NowheretogobutUP. Photo from Ivan Suing/PDI trainee

University of the Philippines’ men’s basketball team is set to travel to Serbia for a two-week long camp preparation for the UAAP  Season 81.

UP head coach Bo Perasol is expecting tough competition in Serbia, but will not focus on the results of their tune-up games against pro teams.

“The end goal would be one, be physically conditioned after that. Number two is get tough competition and at the same time, to gain skills that players in their caliber could teach us,” Perasol said Tuesday during the signing between nxLED and NowheretogobutUP.

The Fighting Maroons, who are training out of the country for the second straight year, fly out on July 21 and return on August 5.

With high-profile recruits bolstering their roster and unwavering of support from alumni, Perasol expects his players to perform under pressure.

“It’s important that they feel the support but at the same time, they feel the pressure to deliver,” Perasol said.

The Maroons are poised to be Final Four contenders this upcoming season as Nigerian Bright Akhuetie will be suiting up after a one-year residency. They came up short and placed fight last season. Ivan Ruiz L. Suing