Gone are the days when the UP Fighting Maroons would host an impromptu bonfire party to celebrate a single victory.
Instilling a winning mentality not only among the players but the whole UP community was a daunting task that head coach Bo Perasol readily embraced. When he came into the picture two years ago, he made it clear that getting rid of his alma mater's losing culture was his top priority. So far, he's been successful.
After languishing at the bottom of the standings for a while, the Fighting Maroons are gradually proving that they are no longer pushovers. Just last year, they had a legitimate shot at stopping a two-decade Final Four drought, moving a win away from forcing a playoff for a semifinal slot.
This coming Season 81, they are hoping to finally complete such a breakthrough.
"Nobody can assure success in terms of winning but I know that we are progressing," said Perasol. "From where we were and where we are right now, we are improving year-to-year, month-to-month. We're just positive that we can get more than six wins this coming season."
With a reloaded roster, better training program and facilities, and increased community support, Perasol and his team are taking a no-excuses approach in terms of delivering results.
"Expectations and pressure will always be there and we would want to embrace that as part of our growing, as part of succeeding," said Perasol. "The mere fact that people are trying to pressure us, it means that we are stronger now. Before, I don't think people are expecting UP to win. This time, we're happy and we're up for it."
The biggest change in UP's lineup is the addition of Nigerian center Bright Akhuetie, a transferee from Perpetual, who will provide the much-needed firepower in the paint that the team had been lacking. He will complement an intact core led by skipper Paul Desiderio, Jun Manzo, Gelo Vito, and the Gomez-de Liaño brothers, Juan and Javi. Fresh recruits such as NCAA Juniors MVP Will Gozum, Filipino-American forward David Murrell, and former Adamson swingman Jaydee Tungcab are also expected to play vital roles.
Perasol knows that they have the necessary weapons to compete but he also admits that toppling any of the consistent league contenders will be an extremely tough journey.
"We believe it's difficult but we're willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that," he said. "We're trying to improve ourselves, ensuring that we learn how to win possession by possession, quarter by quarter, half by half. We're getting there but we're not there yet."
Desiderio, fresh off a championship with Go for Gold in the PBA D-League, vows to make the most out of his final hurrah in the collegiate scene.
"Last year, when we fell short, I thought I still have another year left. Now, I'm thinking I only have 14 games left as a senior," the team captain said. "I want the UP community to see that we really want to win and we want to steal a spot in the Final Four."
Tired of settling for "good fights" and "nice tries" that don't necessarily translate to victories, the Fighting Maroons are heading into the 81st season with renewed confidence. It's no longer enough to get one, two, or three wins. Finishing in fifth place last year was a remarkable feat, but this time, they won't get satisfied with another almost-but-not-quite achievement.
The losing has got to stop, and Perasol summarized it best: "We can't just be the Fighting Maroons. We have to be the winning Maroons."