Palami pushes UP Maroons revamp

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines Fighting Maroons team manager Dan Palami yesterday pushed for a revamp of the university’s basketball program following another disappointing campaign in the 77th UAAP basketball tournament.

With the university hosting the UAAP next season, expectations are high for an improved finish with Palami targeting a Final Four appearance for UP.

And Palami, the man behind the rise of the national football team, wants the rebuilding process to start immediately.

The businessman and sports patron, who took the job with UP before the league’s season started, said “drastic action” must be taken after the Maroons won just one of its 14 games this season.

Palami is no stranger to winning programs, having bankrolled the Azkals, who reached the finals of the AFC Challenge Cup early this year following back-to-back semifinal appearances in the AFF Suzuki Cup. Palami’s own football club, Global FC, is also the reigning United Football League champion.

“If we are to drag ourselves out of this quagmire, drastic action has to be taken,” he said.

“The question is, do we have the decision makers who have the political will to do it. I’m not a basketball expert but everything should be studied. With the support of the UP administration, we hope that we can improve the program.”

Palami is batting for open tryouts as well as a submission of a “clear, complete and doable program for the team, the existing coaching staff and applicant coaches.”