UAAP champion coach Goldwin Monteverde has signed a five-year coaching contract with the UP Men’s Basketball Team (MBT) in a bid to continue the competitive stance of the team, UP announced on Monday.
"[The] UP MBT management is committed to establishing continuity in the program to ensure the winning culture developed under Coach Gold is sustained," UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development (OASD) Director Bo Perasol said.
Perasol was the former coach of the Fighting Maroons for five years. He led the Maroons for its first finals appearance since 1997 in season 81. Perasol was eventually appointed to be the director of OASD when it was activated in 2023.
UP President Angelo Jimenez and UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan approved the extension contract for the MBT, which also secured more financial support from various UP alumni.
Team manager Agaton Uvero commended Monteverde’s efforts as a coach in steering the MBT to champion caliber in just three seasons.
"Under coach Gold, the team's record has improved year-to-year, but our decision is not based on his performance alone. His conduct and demeanor on and off the court have been exemplary, and this is the kind of mentorship we believe our players can benefit from," said Uvero.
Monteverde is known as the tactician behind the Maroons’ three straight finals appearances in the UAAP. After his first season, he led the Maroons to their first UAAP championship after a 36-year drought, while continuing to place the State U in the final four for three consecutive seasons now.
Monteverde is no stranger to UP, having been a player of the MBT when it clinched the UAAP men’s basketball championship in 1986, alongside star players Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc, and Eric Altamirano.
"I am very grateful for the continued support and unwavering trust of UP and MBT management. In turn, itutuloy lang namin 'yung lagi naming ginagawa to keep improving in all aspects. As always, we will continue to UP Fight for next season and the foreseeable future," Monteverde said. ●
