UP accepts Perasol's resignation: 'Coach Bo has left a lasting legacy'

The University of the Philippines (UP) has formally accepted the resignation of Fighting Maroons' head coach Bo Perasol, who announced he's stepped down from his post on Wednesday night.

In a statement, UP men's basketball team manager Agaton Uvero said although Perasol will no longer be steering the team, they asked him to remain with the team management to guide whoever will come in as his replacement.

He also added that with Perasol's departure, they will not just rebuild but will essentially start from scratch. Uvero, though, noted that the team has become competitive under Perasol's watch.

"Right now, we have less than a handful of players from seasons past.  We are not just rebuilding, we are starting again.  But we are still better now because of Coach Bo," Uvero said in a statement Thursday.

"We have asked Coach Bo to remain with team management to guide the transition and ensure the sustainability of the program. In the meantime, we will wait for UP’s decision on the new head coach of UPMBT."

Perasol was the man in charge during UP's transition from being a perennial cellar dweller into a title contender the past few years.

He led the school to a finals appearance in Season 81, where they faced off against the eventual champion Ateneo Blue Eagles. In the following season, he steered the team to the Final Four round but fell short against the University of Santo Tomas despite holding a twice-to-beat advantage.

Overall, Perasol had a win-loss record of 30-32 from Season 79 to 82, which included the games from the playoffs round.

UP said they will forever treasure the legacy left by Perasol, who also helped revive the support of the community.

"We will forever be grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. The past UAAP seasons has been truly memorable for the whole UP community.  Coach Bo has left a lasting legacy," Uvero added.

Meanwhile, UP College of Human Kinetics dean Francis Diaz shared they had asked Perasol to stay for another year after Season 82 but the latter wanted a "reboot" for the team.

"We earnestly hope he will remain with team management to ensure the continuity of the program," Diaz said in a statement.

"We are now vetting the list submitted by Coach Bo and we will make a formal announcement as soon as a decision is made by the UP Diliman Chancellor, after proper consultations with the UP community, stakeholders, supporters and sponsors of the team."

—JMB, GMA News