Monteverde new Maroons coach

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines has named Goldwin Monteverde as the new head coach of its men’s basketball team.

UP Diliman chancellor Fidel Nemenzo announced the appointment, ending their search for the replacement to former mentor Bo Perasol, who has been designated as UPMBT program director.

Monteverde has long been rumored to succeed Perasol after the jump of his prized wards at NU Bullpups – Carl Tamayo, Gerry Abadiano and Terrence Fortea – to Diliman.

The troika anchored NU’s dynasty in the juniors basketball scene under Monteverde’s watch highlighted by back-to-back titles in the UAAP Juniors including a 16-0 sweep of Season 82 and championships in Palarong Pambansa and NBTC.

In Diliman, Monteverde hopes to keep his winning ways with a loaded squad bannered by his trusted aces and top recruits CJ Cansino from Santo Tomas, Joel Cagulangan of La Salle-Greenhills and Cebu’s Jancork Cabahug.

There are other new acquisitions in LSGH’s RC Calimag, UST’s Bismarck Lina, Xavier’s Miguel Tan and CEU’s Malick Diouf as UP moves on from the departure of key cogs Kobe Paras, Javi and Juan Gomez de Liaño, Jun Manzo and Jaydee Tungcab.

Monteverde and UP aim to continue the foundation started by Perasol that led to the school’s historic finals appearance in UAAP Season 81.