A NEW ‘Big Three?’
University of the Philippines coach Bo Perasol is hoping the decision of former Nazareth School of National University standout Terrence Fortea to move to the Fighting Maroons would spell the big difference in their bid to contend anew in the UAAP, if the league pushes through.
“It makes sense for Terrence (Fortea) to want to play alongside his former teammates,” Perasol told Malaya-Business Insight yesterday.
“We are all hoping that they could carry with them the championship spirit that they have,” he added.
In UP, the high-scoring Fortea is set to join high school teammates Carl Tamayo and Gerry Abadiano, who both transferred to the Maroons last year.
The 6-foot-1 Fortea averaged 15.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals in the last UAAP junior’s cage wars for the Bullpups, who completed an unbeaten 16-0 season to annex their second straight crown.
Perasol is convinced Fortea, 19, will be a big boost to UP’s bid to end a 35-year title dry spell.
“He will definitely be a crucial part of our campaign for the next three to five years,” Perasol said, referring to the Gilas Pilipinas Youth mainstay.
“Our goal is to contend for the Final Four every season.”
Former MVP Bright Akhuetie and wingman Ricci Rivero are expected to lead the Maroons in the UAAP 84th season that is still hanging in the air.
