Bo Perasol will no longer be the one calling the shots for University of the Philippines’ Men’s Basketball Team.
The 49-year-old mentor has resigned from his post as the Fighting Maroons’ head coach. Perasol cited the ongoing pandemic and its effects on not just him but also his family as the main reason for his decision.
Tiebreaker Times was able to acquire a copy of his heartfelt letter to the community, Wednesday evening.
“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,” his statement read.
“It has sadly changed my views, plans, and priorities too.”
With him steering the wheel, there was nowhere to go but up for the Fighting Maroons.
In Season 79, UP went 5-9 before going 6-8 a year later.
During his third year at the help, UP ended a 32-year Finals drought in Men’s Basketball. Finishing third after the elimination round with an 8-6 slate, the Fighting Maroons slew the twice-to-beat armed Adamson in the Final Four to earn the right to face Ateneo.
The Blue Eagles then swept the Fighting Maroons. Still, it was the turning point of the program that has now become a hotbed for blue-chip recruits.
“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,” said Perasol, whose mother passed away last June 17.
Perasol has also submitted to the school a shortlist of possible coaching candidates.
“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.”
Perasol also hopes that the community continues to pour support for the school’s men’s basketball team as it did during his time.
Moreover, he will be with everyone in cheering for the team come Season 84.
“I look forward to having the same — if not even more intense — level of support from the UP community as they have showered our team since the last few seasons. Just as UP stands as a symbol for the never-ending fight for excellence, for the quest of knowledge and learning, so shall the Fighting Maroons to pursue our never-ending quest for excellence in our non-academic pursuits, in the process continuing to be the rallying point for Maroon pride.”
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