Tired of losing, UP’s Manuel says Maroons ready to change for the better

MANILA, Philippines — The UP Fighting Maroons’ Jett Manuel has been playing for State U for five years now, and losing has made him calloused to it.

“Medyo naging numbing,” Manuel told Philstar.com when asked to reflect on the last four years of donning the Diliman-based school’s colors. “And I don't want to feel that anymore.”

Manuel, who came from the prestigious Xavier program — which generated talents like Chris Tiu, Joseph Yeo, TY Tang and Jeron Teng — was accustomed to winning. Snaring less than three wins in a season where you played 14 games brought culture shock to him.

Going winless was even worse.

“Players coming into the UAAP are used to winning. Then 0-14 agad na-feel ko,” he shared.

But now, Manuel believes it’s high time the frustrations finally wither away.

Bo Perasol, a Jones Cup champion coach and a tested tactician in the PBA, is now back in UP. A Fighting Maroon from 1990 through 1994, Perasol was a captain himself. He went on to coach Air21 to a surprising season before heading for the UPIS camp and eventually to the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

“He brings something different. He's a winner,” Manuel said of Perasol. “And he's trying to embed that tradition.”

“And that's where coach Bo plays a crucial role … Mahirap kasi wala akong pinaghuhugutan ko na winning experience,” added the 2011 Most Improved Player.

While the cager believes it’s too early to call it, he is keeping his expectations tempered.

“Start pa lang ng program and a lot can change,” he said.

But he can’t help to share that from his end, things are looking good.

"Now the support for the team – people are active, the alumni community is giving more support, the management is doing a great job. The coaching staff is a lot better, also. So the players are more motivated to work,” Manuel continued.

Manuel believes it’s going to be a chain reaction – with good results translating on the hard court.

But still, there’s the big chip on the shoulder especially when you’re a Fighting Maroon.

“I don't think anyone expects a lot from UP. But kami, we expect a lot from ourselves.”

“We feel we can still do something special,” he said.