A Look at the UP Maroons Basketball Lineup for the 2022 Season

As I sit down to analyze the UP Maroons basketball lineup for the 2022 season, I can't help but draw parallels to the recent PBA Philippine Cup clash between San Miguel and Rain or Shine. Watching San Miguel fend off a spirited Rain or Shine rally to win 120-111 in Cagayan de Oro City reminded me of what makes collegiate basketball so compelling - the raw talent, the unpredictable momentum shifts, and the emergence of future stars. The UP Maroons have been building something special, and this season's lineup shows why they might just be the San Miguel of the UAAP - a team capable of weathering any storm and emerging victorious.

Let me start with what excites me most about this roster - the backcourt combination of JD Cagulangan and Ricci Rivero. Having watched Cagulangan develop over the past two seasons, I'm convinced he's one of the most underrated point guards in collegiate basketball. His court vision reminds me of some PBA veterans I've seen, particularly how he controls the tempo much like San Miguel's orchestrators did in their recent victory. Rivero, on the other hand, brings that explosive scoring ability that every championship team needs. I remember watching him drop 18 points against Ateneo last season and thinking - this kid has PBA written all over him. Their backcourt chemistry will be crucial, especially in close games where execution matters most.

The frontcourt situation is particularly interesting this year. Malick Diouf returns as their anchor, and having seen him dominate the paint last season with averages of 11.2 points and 9.8 rebounds, I expect even bigger numbers this time around. What many fans might not realize is how his presence opens up opportunities for players like Zavier Lucero, who I believe could be their X-factor. Lucero's versatility allows him to play both inside and outside, creating matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. I've been particularly impressed with his improvement during the offseason - his three-point percentage has jumped from 28% to what I'm hearing is around 35-38% in practice sessions.

What fascinates me about this UP lineup is how perfectly it mirrors the balance we saw in that San Miguel victory. While San Miguel had their stars step up in crucial moments, they also received valuable contributions from role players - exactly what UP will need from guys like CJ Cansino and Harold Alarcon. I've watched Cansino develop since his UST days, and his basketball IQ could be the secret weapon off the bench. Alarcon, though younger, shows flashes of brilliance that remind me of Rain or Shine's young guns who nearly pulled off that comeback against San Miguel.

The coaching staff, led by Goldwin Monteverde, has done something remarkable here. They've built a roster that can adapt to different styles - whether they need to run in transition or grind out possessions in half-court sets. I've noticed how they've been experimenting with different lineup combinations during preseason, and what stands out is their defensive versatility. They can switch everything on the perimeter while still protecting the rim, a combination that's rare in collegiate basketball.

Looking at their potential rotation, I count at least eight players who could legitimately start for most UAAP teams. That depth will be crucial, especially when you consider the compressed schedule and the physical toll of the tournament. Having covered collegiate basketball for years, I can tell you that championship teams usually have that one unexpected contributor who emerges during crucial moments. For UP, I'm keeping my eye on Gerry Abadiano - his shooting could be the difference in tight games.

There are concerns, of course. The departure of key players from last season means new faces need to step up, and team chemistry needs to develop quickly. I've seen talented rosters underperform because the pieces didn't fit perfectly, but something tells me this group has the right mix of veterans and young talent to avoid those pitfalls. Their preseason performance, particularly their 85-78 victory over a professional team in a tune-up game, suggests they're gelling faster than most expected.

As we approach the season, what excites me most is watching this team's identity develop. Will they be an offensive juggernaut like San Miguel, who put up 120 points in their PBA victory? Or will they pride themselves on defensive stops, much like Rain or Shine's relentless pressure that nearly stole the game? My prediction is they'll be somewhere in between - capable of scoring in bunches but disciplined enough to get stops when it matters.

Reflecting on that San Miguel versus Rain or Shine game, what stood out was how championship teams find ways to win even when not at their best. That's the next step for this UP program - learning to close out games against quality opponents. With the talent they've assembled and the coaching staff's proven ability to develop players, I genuinely believe this could be their breakthrough season. The pieces are there, the motivation is certainly there, and from what I've observed, the team chemistry appears to be developing nicely. It should be fascinating to watch this squad navigate the challenges of the UAAP season and potentially make some noise when it matters most.