UP ramps up preparations with Serbia camp

UP Fighting Maroons during the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Reigning UAAP champion University of the Philippines will ramp up its preparations for Season 88 with a training camp in Serbia.

The Fighting Maroons, who reclaimed the crown after beating La Salle in a thrilling finals series, leave for Serbia on Sunday.

READ: UAAP: Minus three stars, UP fights to keep supremacy

UP OASD Director Bo Perasol talks about the Fighting Maroons’ trip to Serbia to prepare for #UAAPSeason88. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/MsJn94f1Xi

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) June 14, 2025

“The main thing about our Serbian camp is it gives us another aspect of the game,” said UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development (OASD) Director Bo Perasol during the team’s contract signing with Puma Saturday.

“We all know how small Serbia is but they’re such a powerhouse, not just in basketball, but also in other sports concerned.”

The team will be headlined by captain Gerry Abadiano and key holdovers Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, Reyland Torres and Gani Stevens.

Perasol, however, said that even players under residency like former Far Eastern University ace Veejay Pre will also join the squad’s camp.

READ: UAAP: Veejay Pre commits to UP after FEU departure

Other than sharpening their skills for their title retention bid, Perasol said the camp strengthen the team’s conditioning and fitness, aspects of the game that will be critical as the Maroons go deep in the tournament.

“The most important thing these players can get there is they’ll be oblivious to fatigue and adversities.”

“That’s the lesson that the team gains when they go to Serbia every year for the past five or six years.”

The Fighting Maroons recently bowed out of the PinoyLiga Cup.