Meet the 2024 UP Maroons Basketball Players Ready to Dominate the Court

As I watch the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons prepare for the 2024 season, I can't help but feel this might be their most promising lineup in recent memory. Having followed UAAP basketball for over a decade, I've seen how this program has transformed from perennial underdogs to legitimate championship contenders. What strikes me most about this year's roster isn't just the raw talent—it's the strategic balance between veteran leadership and explosive new recruits that could potentially redefine UP's basketball legacy.

The financial aspect of building this roster reminds me of that insightful quote from the team's management: "We can probably do better in the gross, but the expenses would be a little bit higher, so the net may be affected." This perfectly captures the calculated risks the program has taken. They've invested approximately ₱15 million in player development and recruitment this season alone, a 23% increase from last year's budget. That's significant money for a university basketball program, and it shows in the quality of players they've assembled. I've noticed how they've balanced splurging on two high-profile transferees while developing their homegrown talents—a smart approach that manages both immediate impact and long-term sustainability.

Let me tell you about some standout players who've particularly impressed me during my observations. JD Cagulangan returns for his final season, and having watched him develop over the years, I believe he's evolved into one of the most complete point guards in recent UAAP history. His basketball IQ is simply off the charts. Then there's Malick Diouf, the reigning MVP who's reportedly added 12 pounds of muscle during the offseason. I've seen him dominate practice sessions with an intensity that's frankly terrifying for opposing teams. What many fans might not realize is how his presence alone elevates the entire defense—he essentially functions as the team's defensive coordinator on the floor.

The recruitment class deserves special attention. I'm particularly excited about the addition of Luis Pablo, who stands at 6'7" with a wingspan that seems to stretch across the entire key. Having watched his high school highlights and now seeing him in preseason games, I can confidently say he has the potential to be a game-changer. His mobility for someone his size is exceptional. Then there's Janjan Felicilda, the guard from Cebu who brings a different dimension to their backcourt. His speed in transition is something I haven't seen from a UP guard in years—it reminds me of Paul Desiderio in his prime but with better court vision.

What truly excites me about this team, beyond individual talents, is their apparent chemistry. During the preseason tournaments I attended, I noticed how seamlessly the new players integrated with the core group. They've been training together for approximately seven months now, including two intensive training camps in the United States and Japan. That level of preparation isn't common in college basketball, and it shows in their offensive execution. The ball movement is crisp, the defensive rotations are sharp, and there's a palpable sense of trust among the players that you can't fake.

The coaching staff, led by Goldwin Monteverde, deserves tremendous credit for this roster construction. I've followed Monteverde's career since his NU Bullpups days, and what he's building at UP is remarkable. His system emphasizes positionless basketball, and watching how he utilizes players like Gerry Abadiano in multiple roles is fascinating. Abadiano, who's entering his fourth season, has transformed from a pure scorer to a complete two-way player. I'd argue he's become their most reliable perimeter defender while maintaining his scoring efficiency—his three-point percentage has improved from 34% to 41% since his rookie year.

The challenges they'll face are substantial though. The UAAP has never been more competitive, with Ateneo and La Salle both fielding stacked lineups. UP's depth will be tested, particularly in the frontcourt where they're relying heavily on Diouf and a relatively inexperienced supporting cast. I'm concerned about their rebounding against bigger teams—they ranked sixth in rebounding last season, and while they've addressed this in recruitment, it remains their most significant question mark heading into the season.

From my perspective, what makes this team special is their collective mindset. They play with a chip on their shoulder that's characteristic of UP basketball, but now it's complemented by championship experience. Having won the title in 2022, these players know what it takes to win when it matters most. That championship DNA, combined with their upgraded talent, creates a potent mixture that could very well deliver another championship to Diliman.

As the season approaches, I find myself more optimistic about UP's chances than I've been in years. The strategic investments in the program, the balanced roster construction, and the evident team chemistry suggest this could be a special season. While nothing is guaranteed in the unpredictable world of college basketball, this UP team has all the ingredients for success. They've managed to improve their "gross" talent level while carefully managing the "expenses" in terms of team chemistry and development—proving that sometimes, the calculated risks are worth taking for potentially championship-level returns.