I remember wishing two things many years ago: the first was for the Maroons to sport black unis, considering that black is more often the color of choice for activists (aside from plaid button-downs of course) and that in sports, it is sometimes associated with aggression. Aggression is good in basketball, you see, the players who drive to the paint get rewarded with free throws, those who hustle and dive on the floor wins the possession, and so on. So, imagine my delight when they debuted new uniforms against Ateneo! Albeit a bit bland in design, I like it for being unique and gutsy. I hope they keep the color scheme.

Now I have to admit my second wish was a bit ambitious, since it entails a major overhaul of a pretty much well entrenched thing – the team’s name. It’s a remnant of the days when the schools used colors to call their varsity squads (Maroons and Greens was just changed to Fighting Maroons), it perpetuates the parrot myth, and with this year being the centennial, it’s the perfect time to shake things up.

So, what do you think of the UP Maroon Fighters?

Nah, I think it’s too much of a reach, too. And honestly, I like how “Fighting Maroons” is unique compared to what all the other schools are called, so yeah, I can live with not getting wish number two.

Now with a spanking new bus, fresh duds, and a more confident outlook, will UP be able to close this season with a bang? It can happen.

Thanks to Leo Jalapa for the Maroon Fighters graphic