CHANGING his approach from earlier this year, University of the Philippines coach Bo Perasol is now allowing the Fighting Maroons to improve on their individual games in preparation for the upcoming UAAP Season 81.
“Pinayagan ko lahat ng players na maglaro for any team na kumuha sa kanila,” he told SPIN.ph in a text message after the rosters for the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup were released on Friday.
Perasol previously advised his core players to focus on their studies while also training full-time with the team as he began his preseason preparations early.
But now, he’s harping on a different tune.
Team captain Paul Desiderio will suit up for Go for Gold after joining the team late in the last Aspirants’ Cup.
Meanwhile, Javi Gomez de Liano and Jerson Prado will both be playing for Marinerong Pilipino in the second conference of the developmental league, which set to open on Monday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Perasol’s change of heart shouldn’t come as a surprise as he also allowed four of his players in Desiderio, Juan Gomez de Liano, Will Gozum, and new recruit Ricci Rivero, to continue their stint with the Gilas Pilipinas cadets in the ongoing Chooks-to-Go Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup and representing the Fighting Maroons in the summer tourney.
Of course, the move comes with a caveat.
“They can play for as long as UP will always be their priority,” Perasol said.
UP enters the upcoming collegiate season with heightened expectations especially with Nigerian big man Bright Akhuetie finally coming on board.