UP Maroons' inspirational rise to be chronicled in new book
The University of
the Philippines Fighting Maroons surprised pundits by barging into the UAAP
men's basketball finals just four years after finishing the annual tournament
with just one win—and now one of the rising young sports journalists in the
county is going to explain how UP's alumni engineered this amazing
turnaround.
To be penned by
columnist Naveen Ganglani, who has extensively covered the Fighting Maroons and
the UAAP since 2009, the new book will provide readers with an in-depth look
into the events leading to the humble beginnings of Nowhere to go but UP
(NTGBU), a group of UP alumni volunteers who dared to believe that they could
reinvigorate UP's resource-challenged sports programs.
"I’m
incredibly lucky and grateful to the members ofNowhere to go but UP group, who
have given me the opportunity to tell this amazing story," said Ganglani.
The writer, an
alumnus of De La Salle University who roots for his Alma Mater’s Green Archers,
nonetheless acknowledges that "the rise of the Fighting Maroons in the
past five years leading up to their trip to the UAAP Finals is nothing short of
phenomenal."
"As an
outsider looking in, I hope to convey how the story of a rival school is incredibly
inspiring, even to those who do not bleed maroon. I hope to do justice to their
story by writing an accurate, comprehensive, well-researched book that will
answer many questions about the rise of the Maroons," added Ganglani.
"What were the
early challenges the group faced as UP tried to rehabilitate its reputation as
one of the UAAP’s cellar-dwellers? What was the motivation behind the bonfire
during a one-win campaign which was celebrated in Diliman, but mocked outside
of the university’s walls?"
"What led to
UP hero and legend Paul Desiderio nearly missing out on the chance to wear the
school’s name across his chest? How was a once-in-a-generation talent like Juan
Gomez De Liaño brought into the fold? Why was it so important for UAAP MVP Bright
Akhuetie to leave a legacy at UP that he chose the school over other suitors?
These are just some of the questions the book hopes to answer," shared
Ganglani.
Aside from covering
the UAAP, Ganglani has also written features and done on-camera reports on the
NBA, PBA, FIBA, Philippine Superliga, and many other leagues. In 2015, he was
chosen by Nike to be a representative of Southeast Asia to interview Los
Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in his final NBA season. Ganglani also has
his own web sports show – Beyond the Sport w/ Navs – and runs a printing
business in Manila with his family.
For Ganglani,
writing this book on the UP Fighting Maroons’ incredible rise will be the most
important project of his career.
“As a sports
journalist, my ultimate goal to write a story that can inspire others to rise
above themselves, which is what the Fighting Maroons did the last five years
with help from the dedicated and passionate UP community. Chronicling that
special journey, one that was filled with many unforgettable memories, will be
the perfect way to do so,” said Ganglani.
The book, which
will be published by the Nowhere to go but UP Foundation, will include
exclusive interviews with UP’s coaching staff and players, as well as key
alumni from the UP community who helped augment the state university's athletic
programs.
According to NTGBU
Chairperson and UP Maroons Manager Atty. Agaton Uvero, "the goal really is
to produce a tome that will be enjoyed not only by UP alumni and fans of the
Fighting Maroons, but also by those who are looking for motivation to strive
for something bigger."
UP Maroons coach Bo
Perasol echoed Uvero's sentiments, stressing that "the story of the
Maroons is still being written as we speak."
"Nonetheless,
UP is in a unique situation as the only state university in the UAAP. As such,
its varsity teams face circumstances far different from their counterparts in private
schools," said the former Maroon, who graduated from UP Diliman in
1994.
"It's a very
interesting story, and we hope that it will inspire those who face enormous
challenges in the pursuit of their ambitions. Nakakaiyak, nakakatawa,
nakaka-inspire. Which is why I and the rest or the team are really excited
about this project."
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