The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons hype never stops for Diego Dario.
Dario, who still has one academic year left but now plays for the Blackwater Elite in the PBA, revealed that he has kept in touch with his alma mater's UAAP basketball team despite his playing years in the collegiate league having ended last season.
“I’m very close to the team, sometimes, I still train with them,” he shared with SPIN Life last Saturday during the inaugural SPIN Court Kings tournament. “Minsan, pag may questions sila, may it be about playing or in life, I help them out. At the end of the day, we’re brothers. Marami na kaming pinagdaanan.”
Apparently, Dario has been childhood friends with some of his former teammates, which is why he goes out of his way to support and give them advice.
Last season, he helped UP finish second to eventual champions the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles. This year, the Maroons have gone from underdogs to title favorites with new recruits Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero.
While he's thrilled about the idea of watching games for the first time as an alumnus, Dario is keeping his fingers crossed.
He said, “Sana makuha nila ‘yung hindi namin nakuha last year. They’re expected to perform, but I wish they would focus on themselves and just play the right way. ‘Wag sana masyado magpa-distract sa ibang tao.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph