The deep roster of the University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team (UP MBT) has been highlighted as one of the team’s strengths that helped them nab the chip for UAAP Season 87.
While the UP community is still on a championship high, recovering injured players Joshua Coronel, LA Andres and Seven Gagate are already gearing up for their chance to don the maroon jerseys and defend the title next season.
“What keeps me going is ‘yung dream ko na makalaro sa UAAP and makalaro for UP,” said Coronel in an interview on Sept. 3 last year, adding that his family and the people around him also drive him to endure the long “waiting game.”
Coronel had to sit out in UAAP Season 87 after sustaining a second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during the pre-season, halting his dream of playing on the biggest collegiate stage.
At the time of the interview, the 6-foot-4 forward was four months post-operation for his ACL and undergoing strength and conditioning exercises.
The former La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) and Batang Gilas standout also had to sit out in his Season 86 collegiate basketball debut for State U after undergoing a knee surgery for his first ACL back in January 2023.
Despite missing out on two seasons of playing, Coronel said his experiences from his injuries helped him develop mental toughness and resilience.
“Alam ko sa sarili ko na lahat ng pinagdadaanan ko is something na magagamit ko in the future kapag naglalaro na ako for UP,” said Coronel.
UP forward Andres is also expected to be back on the court before UAAP Season 88 begins after undergoing surgery last May 1, 2024, due to an ACL injury as well.
“Despite ‘yung pinagdadaanan kong injury na ito, matatag lang ako sa gusto ko na mangyari [para sa akin] na makapaglaro nga ako sa UAAP and of course, gusto ko na ring makita ‘yung magulang ko na mapanood ako sa loob ng court na naglalaro,” the 6-foot-5 former Batang Gilas stalwart said.
The good news for the Fighting Maroons is that both Andres and Coronel are already joining UP MBT’s preseason preparations for Season 88.
“As of now, preseason practice starts with skills and workouts, and me and Josh have been able to be with the team with all of those,” said Andres.
Meanwhile, big man Gagate has returned to the court after suffering a fractured right hand. On Nov. 4, he joined UP’s team B in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL)’s PG Flex Linoleum Invitational Tournament where the team clinched the runner-up spot after facing the De La Salle Green Archers.
Gagate had to wear a cast for three months before undergoing skills training and rehabilitation for another three months.
The 6-foot-8 center is looking forward to being in UP MBT’s lineup next season, where he hopes to reunite inside the court with Coronel, his fellow LSGH compatriot.
“Galing din kami sa injury so gigil kami na makapaglaro [at] maipakita namin ‘yung galing namin,” said Gagate.
As Coronel, Andres and Gagate await the next UAAP tournament, one thing remains clear for the Fighting Maroons: there will be no shortage of promising players in the seasons to come.