Analyzing the UP Maroons Basketball Lineup 2022: Key Players and Roster Changes

2025-11-07 09:00

As I sat watching the San Miguel Beermen secure their crucial 120-111 victory against Rain or Shine last Saturday night in Cagayan de Oro City, I couldn't help but draw parallels to another team that's been on my mind lately - the UP Fighting Maroons. Having followed collegiate basketball for over a decade, I've developed a particular fascination with how coach Goldwin Monteverde has been reshaping UP's roster for the 2022 season. The way San Miguel maintained their composure during that spirited fourth-quarter rally reminded me of what championship-caliber teams need - not just talent, but depth and strategic roster construction.

The UP Maroons' transformation has been nothing short of remarkable, especially when you consider where the program was just five years ago. I remember watching them struggle through losing seasons, but now they've become legitimate title contenders. What fascinates me most about their 2022 lineup is how they've managed to retain core players while making strategic additions. Malick Diouf returning for another season might be their most significant roster move - the 6'11" center averaged 11.7 points and 11.3 rebounds last season, and his presence fundamentally changes their defensive identity. When I look at championship teams like San Miguel, they always have that anchor in the middle, and Diouf provides exactly that for UP.

What really excites me about this year's roster is the backcourt combination of JD Cagulangan and Ricci Rivero. I've watched Cagulangan develop over three seasons, and his game-winning three-pointer in the Season 84 finals wasn't just luck - it was the culmination of his growth as a clutch performer. He averaged 5.9 assists last season, and I expect that number to climb significantly. Rivero brings something different - that veteran savvy and athleticism that can change games. Having covered numerous UAAP games, I can tell you that Rivero's defensive improvements are real; he's become much more disciplined while maintaining his explosive offensive capabilities.

The departure of Joel Cagulangan's backcourt partner from previous seasons did concern me initially, but the emergence of Gerry Abadiano has been reassuring. I've been tracking Abadiano since his high school days at Nazareth School of National University, and his development into a reliable two-way guard has been impressive. He shot 38% from beyond the arc last season, and I suspect we'll see that percentage improve as he takes on more responsibility. The addition of transfer students like Janjan Felicilda from UE gives them additional backcourt depth that reminds me of how San Miguel manages their rotation - always having capable players ready to step up when needed.

UP's frontcourt situation particularly interests me because they've built it differently from most UAAP teams. Instead of relying on one dominant big man, they've created a committee approach that I find strategically brilliant. Beyond Diouf, they have Zavier Lucero providing that unique blend of length and perimeter skills - at 6'7", he can handle the ball like a guard but protect the rim like a center. I've always believed that versatile big men are becoming increasingly valuable in modern basketball, and Lucero embodies that evolution. His 12.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last season don't fully capture his impact on both ends of the floor.

What often gets overlooked in roster analysis is the bench depth, and this is where UP might have their biggest advantage. Carl Tamayo, despite being just in his second year, plays with the poise of a veteran. I remember watching him during the pre-season and thinking he'd developed a more consistent mid-range game to complement his post skills. Then there's Harold Alarcon, who I consider one of the most underrated players in the league - his energy off the bench can spark runs and change momentum, much like how San Miguel's second unit stepped up against Rain or Shine when their starters needed rest.

The coaching staff's decision to focus on defensive versatility in their recruitment strategy has been particularly impressive to observe. They've assembled a roster where nearly every player can switch across multiple positions, which is crucial in today's positionless basketball landscape. Having spoken with several scouts and analysts, the consensus is that UP's defensive rating should improve from last season's 89.3, potentially placing them among the league's top three defensive teams. That defensive foundation is what separates good teams from great ones, and it's what allowed San Miguel to withstand Rain or Shine's comeback attempt.

As someone who's studied roster construction across different leagues, I appreciate how UP has balanced youth and experience. They have veterans like Rivero who understand big moments, complemented by younger players like Tamayo who bring fresh energy. This balance creates what I like to call "competitive synergy" - where different elements of the roster complement each other in ways that maximize the team's overall potential. It's similar to what we saw in that San Miguel game, where veterans like June Mar Fajardo (who scored 28 points) worked seamlessly with younger contributors.

Looking at their complete roster, I'm particularly optimistic about their championship chances this season. They've addressed their primary weaknesses from last season while enhancing their strengths. The depth chart shows approximately 12 players who could legitimately start or play significant minutes, which provides the coaching staff with numerous lineup combinations depending on the situation. This flexibility will be crucial during the elimination round and especially in the playoffs, where adjustments between games often determine series outcomes.

The journey from being UAAP contenders to champions requires more than just talent - it demands the right roster composition, chemistry, and the ability to perform under pressure. Based on my analysis of their current lineup and the strategic moves they've made, the UP Maroons have positioned themselves as serious title threats. Their roster construction demonstrates a clear understanding of modern basketball principles while maintaining the fundamental values that make teams successful. As we saw with San Miguel's victory, having the right players in the right roles makes all the difference when the game is on the line, and I believe UP has assembled a group capable of handling those pressure moments.