By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
There will be no Bo Perasol on the sidelines when the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons enters the UAAP men’s basketball battlefield.
It was confirmed that the prized head coach will no longer call the shots for UP when the UAAP comes back after steering the team to a winning record with one finals appearance.
“I promised UP after UAAP Season 82 that I will stay for another season just to sustain the rebuilding process which started many years back, coming from zero wins back then. Unfortunately, the pandemic has impacted all of us, including the dynamics of the playing field,” Perasol’s statement released by Tiebreaker Times.
The 49-year-old UP mentor will forever be remembered as the one who resurrected the winning culture for the team.
Staying with the Maroons despite rough seasons, Perasol was there during the lowest of the lows and celebrated with the team during their stellar moments.
Perasol was instrumental when they brought in NCAA superstar Bright Akhuetie to UP and that’s where their magical season began.
UP had the chance to win their most-awaited UAAP title way during season 81 but wasn’t able to halt Thirdy Ravena and the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
A year after, UP solidified its roster after bringing in big names like Ricci Rivero and Kobe Paras but had to lose to a young UST squad in the semifinals.
“We have gotten this far in just four seasons under my helm. That is unprecedented in fact. But the team still needs better plans as always, and a reboot. I have now decided not to coach my last season and I have already submitted to UP officials a shortlist of possible replacements for my position,” added Perasol.
