UP Maroons coach astounded over Final Four finish

It took a while for UP head coach Bo Perasol to let the reality of the UP Fighting Maroons making it to the Final Four sink in.

After all, it took UP at least 21 years to get into the Final Four slot.

Asked about what he felt after their 97-81 win over the DLSU Green Archers, Perasol said he was in awe when he looked at the giant screen while singing their school hymn.

"'Hindi ko pa naiisip kanina, but when I looked at the malaking scoreboard while we were singing our hymn, may asterisk 'yung UP Maroon, parang totoo ba yan? Kasama ba kami diyan?" Perasol narrated.

Now that UP has made it to the Final Four, Perasol said it was a testament of the development of their program.

"Even when I was with Ateneo, my heart goes with my alma mater because [of] the way we had performed but right now, it's the reality. The asterisk says it all, that we are part of the final four cast," the third year Maroons coach said.

Perasol believes that one of the reasons they are in their position right now are the many struggles that the team endured.

"I really believe that a successful program or any successful team has to go through struggles in order for them to understand how to succeed. I don't think that any winner won't be able to experience losing and struggle, because winning takes a lot from all of us."

"This is something we need to do together, we need to sacrifice our personal interests, we need to sacrifice our agendas and all that. But when we are able to do that and we are aligned in our vision to achieve our goals, I think we have the talents skills and smarts to finally do it," he added.

Third year forward Javi Gomez de Liaño said it's about time the Diliman-based squad makes it to the Final Four.

"We deserve that win. Tagal na naming pinaghirapan 'yan."

For his younger brother Juan, making it to the Final Four is a fulfillment of a dream,.

"It took six years for me to get to this point so I'm really grateful for this opportunity to play at this level," said Juan, who also played with his Kuya Javi for UP back in their high school days.

Now that a Finals appearance for Perasol's team is possible, Diliman big man Bright Akhuetie says they will still take it one step at a time.

"I'm actually really excited," said Perasol, adding that "all I promise is to give my best everyday to make sure to get to where we want to go to. I really appreciate the fact that we got this today so we're one step closer to achieving our dreams. We'll take it one step at a time."

Their next problem? The second-seeded Adamson Soaring Falcons.

"There is still a game to be played and we will be ready for that as well," Perasol said.

The Soaring Falcons had the upper hand at the end during their past two face-offs but Perasol said they will not make it easy for Adamson.

Coach Bo Perasol on going against Adamson: We’re gonna fight for it. Knowing these guys, they’re gonna figure out how to win [over Adamson]. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/GKEMUQq0jv

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) November 14, 2018

"What I'm confident about is (that) my team is going to fight for it. We need to review our games, but this is basketball. We have a chance against them. We're not going to offer that in a silver platter to them. Knowing these guys, we'll figure out how to win over them," Perasol said. — BAP, GMA News