#UAAPLXXIX Preview: UP Fighting Maroons

Last season the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons was expected to be one of the dark horse in the tournament, winning their first two games against UE and then favorites La Salle but as the tournament progresses the Maroons looked like they came in not knowing what they will do next in the tournament resulting for them to drop at the bottom of the standings having a 3-11 record same as Adamson.

Entering this season the Fighting Maroons are still intact with the exception of JR Gallarza and  Agustini Amar who both graduated last season. Coming to this season UP still has the service of their top scorers like Jett Manuel, who averages 11.38ppg, Paul Desiderio with 11ppg, and Diego Dario with 10.15ppg last season.

Season 79 also marks the return of former Rookie of the Year, Kyles Lao, after suffering an ACL injury early last year, Lao is one of the go to guy for UP in season 74 and now that he is back not only scoring will be his contribution, but also leadership.

Another addition to the line up of the Maroons is their only rookie this season, Joaquin Javier Gomez de Liano. Javi is one of the three Gomez De Liano's that played for the UPIS Junior Maroons in the past year, before graduating Javi manages to cap off his High school career with a UAAP Mythical Five award and an MVP Plum in the PCABL.

The Fighting Maroons are also under a new system under their new coach, Coach Bo Perasol. Coach Bo believes that the Maroons will be the dark horse this season looking at the deeper and more experienced players, the Maroons are ready to take the winning path this season.

The Fighting Maroons will face the Adamson Falcons in the opening day of the basketball tournament of #UAAPLXXIX on September 4 at the Araneta Coliseum