For the third straight time, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and the De La Salle University Green Archers will be facing each other in the UAAP Finals. At the helm of these teams are their respective head coaches, Goldwin Monteverde and Topex Robinson.

Both teams shared the same struggle early in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament, and both Monteverde and Robinson could not help but be proud of their teams.

For the Green Archers, their road to the finals was marred by injuries and suspensions.

Robinson said, “If you were going to define how our season went, it’s really something we should be grateful for. That really tested the character of our team. Our biggest win is letting our faith guide us through such a challenging season.”

“What a way to end the eliminations. Credit to NU for fighting until the final buzzer. It was tough, but these guys showed up, manned up, and came out smarter, especially in the second half.”

At the end of the elimination round, the Green Archers were seeded in fourth place with an 8-6 win-loss record. In the semifinals, they needed to defeat the top-seeded National University Bulldogs twice to achieve the finals.

Before their highly anticipated finals rematch, Robinson acknowledged the Fighting Maroons’ five straight finals appearances as he looked towards breaking their head-to-head finals matchup.

The two teams first met each other in the UAAP Season 86 finals, which the Green Archers won with Kevin Quiambao in the lineup. The following season, the Fighting Maroons reclaimed the crown to give JD Cagulangan and Quentin Millora-Brown another championship before leaving the UAAP.

“Respect is key. It’s their fifth straight finals appearance, which speaks volumes about their program. It’s going to be a good challenge for us. Personally, as a coach, I can learn from someone who’s been there five times,” Robinson said.

“They have a solid staff and support group. But we’re happy to be here too. For now, we focus on ourselves and make the most of this opportunity.”

Before the finals, Robinson first wanted to step back and look back at how far they’ve come despite a challenging season.

“For now, we want to honor and celebrate the guys who fought their way here. I’m happy for Mason [Amos] and Kean [Baclaan] getting to experience a championship run. We just hope JC [Macalalag] is okay and ready. Most importantly, we focus on what we can control — ourselves,” he ended.

Monteverde Grateful For Another Chance

Since starting his coaching stint with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, head coach Goldwin Monteverde has yet to miss a finals, already winning two championships for a school that has been at the bottom of the standings for so long.

As he enters another finals series, Monteverde said he is proud of his team for something more than their five straight finals appearances.

“Well, as a coach, siyempre, wala ka nang hihingin pa sa team, ‘di ba? Sa kung anong pinapakita nila in terms of ‘yung effort na lumaban sa game. And to start ‘yung season with a 0-2, I mean, coming together, you know, and being able to respond after the first two games natin,” he said.

“And so, my part din, siyempre, ‘pag nakikita mo ‘yung team itself na – lalo ‘tong mga ‘to kasama ko – marami kaming ups and downs na ganyan. Pero alam ko rin lang that I trust na ‘yung team would always, you know, bounce back. Babangon talaga. So for me, that in itself, I’m very proud of.”

At the end of the day, the Fighting Maroons dynasty wasn’t built overnight but rather through a consistent effort every day.

“Sa akin, first of all, I’m gonna thank the Lord for that kasi, ano naman, kumbaga sa amin naman, ang pinanghahawakan na namin is ‘yung effort na gagawin namin, ‘yung araw-araw na practice namin, ‘yung araw-araw na hirap namin,” he said.

“Sa akin, we’re just very thankful na God’s will umabot kami sa Finals of the game this year. So, every year is a blessing for us. Ganoon din lang na alam namin sa sarili namin na whatever happens, kailangan as a person tuloy-tuloy ‘yung pag-improve namin. Doon lang talaga ‘yung mindset namin every year,” he ended.

The first game of the best-of-three finals will be on Wednesday, December 10, at 4:00 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.