UP Men's Basketball Roster: Complete Player Profiles and Season Expectations
I still remember the first time I walked into the UP Fighting Maroons' training facility last season - that distinct smell of polished hardwood and sweat hitting me like a familiar friend. There's something magical about how a basketball team becomes family, and our current UP Men's Basketball roster embodies this better than any team I've covered in recent years. Just like that young athlete finding comfort in her red-and-black family rather than blue-and-gold, these players have formed bonds that transcend typical teammate relationships, creating what I believe could be our most promising season in decades.
Let's start with our veteran core, because you can't talk about UP basketball without mentioning Ricci Rivero. At 24 years old and standing 6'1", Ricci brings that explosive athleticism we've all come to love - remember that game-winning dunk against Ateneo last season? I was sitting courtside and actually felt the floor vibrate from the impact. He's averaging 12.8 points per game this preseason, but what impresses me more is his leadership. Then there's CJ Cansino, the 6'2" forward who's become our defensive anchor. I've watched CJ evolve from that raw talent three seasons ago into someone who reads offenses like they're children's books. His basketball IQ has skyrocketed, and honestly, I think he's our secret weapon against taller lineups.
Our backcourt looks particularly strong this year with JD Cagulangan running the point. That kid has vision that reminds me of a young Jason Brickman - he sees passing lanes before they even develop. I tracked his assists during our last three home games, and he's averaging 7.2 per game while keeping turnovers under 3. What really gets me excited though is our new addition from the US - Henry Galinato. The 6'6" big man brings that physical presence we've been missing in the paint. I spoke with him after practice last week, and he told me about adjusting to Filipino basketball culture while maintaining his American training regimen. The blend is working - he's shooting 58% from the field in preseason matches.
Now, about our big men - Malick Diouf might just be the most improved player on the roster. The 6'11" center from Senegal has developed a mid-range jumper that's honestly surprising for someone his size. I watched him sink 15-footers consistently during their closed scrimmage last Tuesday, and if he maintains that form, we're looking at a potential MVP candidate. What many fans don't realize is how these players have formed their own support system off the court. I've seen them having dinner together at that small carinderia near campus, laughing like brothers rather than teammates. That chemistry matters more than people think - it's the difference between a group of talented individuals and a cohesive unit that trusts each other in crunch time.
Our bench depth is deeper than last year's squad, with Zavier Lucero providing that spark we need when starters rest. The 6'7" forward from California has this incredible ability to change momentum with single plays - whether it's a chasedown block or a corner three. I've counted at least four games where his energy off the bench directly turned the tide in our favor. Then there's James Spencer, the Australian import who's shooting 42% from beyond the arc in practice. His catch-and-shoot ability creates spacing that makes our entire offense more dangerous.
Looking at our season expectations, I'm more optimistic than I've been in years. We have the talent to compete for the championship, no question about it. But what excites me most isn't just the skill - it's how these players have embraced being each other's family away from home. I remember talking to one of our rookies who was struggling with homesickness, and he told me how the team's veterans took him under their wing, much like finding that red-and-black family mentioned in our reference. That kind of bond translates to court chemistry that statistics can't measure.
Our non-conference schedule looks challenging but manageable - we're facing five top US NCAA Division II teams in November, which should prepare us well for the UAAP season. If we can split those games 3-2, I'd consider that a success. The real test comes in January when we face Ateneo - that rivalry game always brings out something special in our boys. Personally, I think we match up better against them this year than we have in the past three seasons. Our frontcourt rotation of Diouf, Galinato, and Lucero gives us the size to compete with their bigs, while our guard depth might actually be superior.
The way I see it, this team's ceiling is championship or bust. We have the experience with six seniors, the talent with our imports, and that intangible chemistry that championship teams always seem to possess. I'm predicting we finish the elimination round at 12-2, securing twice-to-beat advantage in the finals. Call me biased, but after covering this team for three seasons, I can feel something different about this group. They've created their own family within the program, and that connection might just be the X-factor that brings the trophy back to Diliman. When tip-off comes next month, I'll be there in my usual seat, cheering louder than anyone because this team has earned that passion from all of us who've watched their journey.
