CEBU, Philippines — What do Paul Desiderio and Jun Manzo have in common?
They both played for the University of the Visayas (UV) Lancers and the University of the Philippines (UP) Maroons during their illustrious career as student-athletes.
Desiderio, a loud and proud Cebuano from Liloan, was crowned Juniors MVP when he powered the Baby Lancers to the championship in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) back in 2011.
Two years later, the versatile 6-foot-1 forward opened a new chapter in his career with the State U that culminated with dazzling show as team captain of the Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 80 in 2018.
In his final UAAP performance that’s worth remembering for, Desiderio scored UPs five points in a nerve-wracking 89-87 overtime victory over the Adamson University Falcons that vaulted the Maroons to their first finals appearance in 32 years.
During their first game of the season against the University of Sto. Tomas Tigers, Desiderio electrified the UP faithful with his famous “Atin ‘to” line, which ultimately became the Maroons’ battlecry in their quest for glory that ended up with a silver finish.
Desiderio decorated his last full show in the UAAP in style, becoming the first UP cager in 12 years to make it to the elite Mythical 5.
The 23-year-old Desiderio, now playing for the Blackwater Elite in the PBA, was also responsible for bringing in fellow Visayanian Manzo into the State U’s fold in 2016.
Like his predecessor, the Nasipit, Agusan del Sur-native Manzo stamped his class as floor leader of the Maroons during his last season in the UAAP last year.
Desiderio and Manzo will be sharing their inspiring hardcourt journey in today’s episode of the weekly Magis Eagles TV show that will be shown live on the Magis Eagles Basketball Team Facebook page starting at 7:30 tonight. — EBV