Finally, a home for the UP Maroons

MANILA, Philippines – The UP Fighting Maroons are moving to a new gym.

Hopefully, it will improve their training, their focus and maybe their luck.

Danielle Nakpil reports.

The Men’s basketball team used to train here, the old UP gym, cramped with other varsity teams.
But it’s not just space that’s a problem
The court’s measurements are inaccurate.
One of the rims doesn’t meet the standard size.
The free throw line is inches shorter than the required 15 feet.

MORIAH GINGERICH
PLAYER, UP MEN’S BASKETBALL
When it rained, it would always leak. We cannot go full court ’cause there’s one’s side of the court that’s completely wet. It’s always wet when it rained.
There were lots of holes in the floor. They cover them up with tape. Once after my teammate went for a lay-up, he sprained his ankle.

But after 10 years, the UP Fighting Maroons have a new home – the UP CHK Annex.
It took 10 years to build.

RONUALDO DIZER
DEAN CHK
Well basically it started in 2004 when John Osmena donated 4.7 or 4.5 million approximately. When we were about to have it constructed, tumaas yung presyo ng materials.

The lack of training facilities is one of the reasons for UP’s poor performance in the college leagues.
The Fighting Maroons were at the bottom of the standings for the last 4 years.
A new practice area may help them turn things around.

RICKY DANDAN
COACH, UP MEN’S BASKETBALL
Number one, we no longer have any distractions. Because when we practice inside the main venue, two volleyball teams are practicing.
Sometimes, the balls go through what we call the force field and it leads to injuries.

But the team admits, training facilities are just part of the solution.
This coming season, the UP men’s basketball team wants to change its reputation from whipping boys to legit contenders.
Hoping to bring back the glory days of the UP Maroons and end two decades of oblivion.
Danielle Nakpil, Rappler, Manila

– Rappler.com