Perasol: Blowout loss a wake-up call for us

As he awaits the decision of the UAAP for his outburst that led to his ejection last Sunday in the duel with defending men’s basketball champion Ateneo, University of the Philippines (UP) coach Bo Perasol expressed confidence that the Fighting Maroons can regroup in the second round of Season 82.

Ejected in the third quarter for confronting a match official in an 89-63 loss, Perasol also issued a statement addressed to the UP community on Monday, calling for unity as the team faces rising expectations following its roster buildup this season.

“The greater challenge now is for me, the players and everyone in the UP community to rise above what happened,” said Perasol, obviously referring to the blowout loss.

“We have to take the last game as a wake-up call, something that should spring us back to life and to the reality that much work needs to be done. The focus should not be on one incident, one play, one non-call or one game, but rather, all our eyes should be on the prize.”

Commissioner Jensen Ilagan said Perasol’s ejection merits an automatic one-game suspension, but the official told the Inquirer Monday night that the manner in which Perasol confronted the official was also being taken into consideration.

Perasol had his fists clenched and seemed to be in a fighting stance as he charged the official in center court in full view of almost 20,000 fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Perasol said he has no business being on the bench should the Maroons fail to go all the way in Season 82.

“I am not perfect, and I will never be even if I did not end up being thrown out for losing my temper or failing to call the shots against all odds,” he said.

“I coach not only for myself or for my players, but for the entire UP community,” Perasol said. “I know that if I do not deliver now and go all the way in Season 82, then I have no business being at the bench of the UP Maroons any minute longer.”

Perasol is confident the Fighting Maroons can finally play to their potential as he takes heart on the first half performance against the Eagles.

“We need to make a commitment that we have to trust each other knowing that it’s the only way we could get better,” said Perasol. “Trusting would mean making the extra passes and helping each other on defense.”

Perasol also hopes his players rise above the distractions.

“What concerns me the most is we easily get distracted by a lot of things around us.”