The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons fell short of defending their UAAP men’s basketball crown, bowing to modern-day rivals De La Salle University Green Archers.
Still, for head coach Goldwyn Monteverde, the season was defined not by the loss but by the unwavering commitment of his five graduating players—Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Reyland Torres, and Janjan Felicilda—collectively known as the “Maroon 5.”
Monteverde and the group share a long history, having previously been part of the National University Nazareth School program in the juniors division.
“First, of course, ibinigay nila lahat. Hindi ko tinitingnan ito sa season na ito lang,” Monteverde said after the loss. “I’ve been with them from Season 84 until now. Every practice, every game, nakikita ko na talagang binigay nila ang best nila. Wala ka nang mahihingi pa sa kanila.”
“For me, the true test is the kind of bond we have. Madaling magsama sa panalo, pero mas mahalaga na nagkasama rin kami sa panalo at sa talo—and solid pa rin kami,” he added.
Monteverde expressed nothing but pride in the growth of the Maroon 5 throughout the years. In fact, one of them—Gerry Abadiano—has been under his guidance since his Adamson University High School days before moving on to NU Nazareth School.
“I feel blessed. Very seldom na magkaroon ng pagkakataon na makasama ang isang grupo ng players mula high school hanggang college,” Monteverde said. “Usually, nasa top two kami. Siyempre ayaw mo namang matalo, pero nakasama ko na rin sila sa mga panalo. Wala na akong mahihiling pa.”
“I guess kapag may kasama ka sa mga ganitong panahon—sa saya at sa lungkot—talagang mamahalin mo sila,” he concluded.
