The “Maroon 5” will forever be loved by the UP faithful.
UAAP Season 88 was always going to be deeper than another title defense for the UP Fighting Maroons.
More than the chance to go back-to-back, it was also the final year for the “Maroon 5” composed of Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Janjan Felicilda, Reyland Torrres, and Terrence Fortea. Throughout Season 88, a shared goal was winning another UAAP Men’s Basketball title to send them off on a high note.
While that storybook ending never came, head coach Goldwin Monteverde still spoke with pride about the group, knowing that they have established a standard of excellence for the next batch of Fighting Maroons.
“Sabi ko, first, of course, binigay nilang lahat. Hindi ko nakikita for this season alone, because I’ve been with them from Season 84 until now. Every practice, every game namin, I could see them really give their best, wala naman ibang hihingin pa sa kanila,” Monteverde said after Game 3 of the Season 88 Finals on Wednesday, December 17.
“Sakin, I think in terms of ‘yung samahan na mayroon sila…well of course maganda kung magkasama kayo sa panalo, but I think the true test is nagkasama rin kami sa panalo tsaka sa talo. You know? Being with them, solid pa rin together.”
Originally composed of Abadiano, Alarcon, and Fortea, the Maroon 5 were instrumental in establishing State U’s winning culture under Monteverde, along with a sense of doggedness that has been recognized by rival coaches around the UAAP.
Ultimately, the Maroon 5 exits UP as two-time UAAP champions, being instrumental to ending a 36-year title drought in Diliman, to go along with three silver medals within a five-season span.
Having coached them since high school, Monteverde is proud to see the group grow into who they are today, similar to a father that witnessed his sons grow from boys to men.
“Sakin, I feel blessed pa rin. Very seldom for a coach to have this opportunity to be with a group of guys since high school kasama ko. Usually top two kami,” reflected Monteverde, who won two championships with the Maroon 5 during their time in Nazareth School-National University.
“Although sabi ko nga, ayoko naman matalo ngayon, but then, nakasama ko na rin sila sa panalo at talo. Kumbaga, ‘yung pinakita nila sa akin, wala na akong hinihingi pa eh.
So I guess kung may kasamang ganon sa mga ganong panahon, sa saya’t sa lungkot, I mean, talagang mamahalin mo eh.”
While their final set ended on a somber note, the Maroon 5 will always be celebrated in Diliman, for they were the pillars of a winning culture that allowed State U to become perennial championship contenders.
Images by Kieran Punay/KLIQ Inc.