On Deck: UP and Basketball

I have been willing to write this entry for quite some time, but I always fail to do so. But after that heart-wrenching defeat by the UP Fighting Maroons against the UE Red Warriors earlier today, I decided to finally write it. I won't be talking about my support for the Maroons (I think I already did that in an earlier post), but rather, I'll talk about something else. However, do remember that I haven't done much research about the topic, something that I would really want to do given more ample time. If any of you would like to chime in or help, that would be very much welcome. Then, I shall make a more comprehensive post. If there are any mistakes, or misconceptions, feel free to bring it up in the comments. But for now, I would write this with what I know (granted, it may very well be not a hundred percent accurate). I just don't want to lose the idea that is in my mind right now.

Enough of that, what exactly are you going to be talking about?

I said this in a tweet a couple of weeks ago, and I think it captures perfectly what I would be talking about in this post. "The fact that UP is the only public school among the UAAP schools should never be understated." You most likely already know that, though it is not something that would be lingering in one's mind all the time. It is a fact that carries with it a lot of implications.

On Deck - 8 and 62

Saan nanggaling ang 8-62?

0-14, 3-11, 3-11, 0-14, 2-12

            Those are the records of the UP Fighting Maroons Men’s Basketball Team since I entered UP as an undergrad student back in 2007.

            Over those years, I’ve seen various players come and go. I saw how Migs de Asis impressed and show promise (that sadly wasn’t realized) during his rookie year. I heard how Martin Reyes got compared to a certain Allan Caidic. I saw Woody Co win the rookie of the year award and I saw him play his last game. I saw Jay Agabayani’s gallant effort during his last game as a Maroon, and the same goes to long time Maroon Miggy Maniego. I was one of those that was estatic as Mikee Reyes led the team to a win during his rookie season against DLSU. I am one of those firm believers that Mark Lopez could have been a part of the national team if given more training. I was one of those that were eagerly waiting for Mike Silungan to finish his residency, and one of those pleasantly optimistic with Jelo Montecastro’s performance during the summer leagues of 2011.

            During those years, we saw DLSU win a championship a year after being suspended, Adamson slowly improve and become a contender, UE go 14-0, NU and UST field MVPs, FEU make back to back finals appearance, and ADMU win 4 straight championships.

             UP finished no better than 6^th, and was dead last in the other 4 years. Given that, I still was an avid fan of the team. I am still excited whenever talks about promising new guys are joining the team. Still hopeful after every good showing in the preseason. Still filled with joy with every win, and is still bummed after every defeat. With very little to show for in the last 5 years, why do I still support the team as such?

            I guess it is simply because I love UP so much and I love basketball just as much. Sure, it hurts not to see my team reach the same success the other basketball teams reach, but eventually, it goes beyond winning. I’m proud to be an Isko, and everything that comes with that. Win or lose, I’ll still support the Fighting Maroons. I am sure that within my lifetime, UP would win the championship again, and at that point, all these years waiting would be more than worth it.

           It's bound to happen, right?