The UP Fighting Maroons are gearing up for their tournament debut at the World University Basketball Series in Japan.
The UP Fighting Maroons will parade their championship core along with new additions in their first appearance at the World University Basketball Series in Japan beginning this weekend.
Along with current WUBS champions La Salle, UP will target back-to-back preseason crowns after recently winning the FilOil EcoOil preseason tiff.
[READ: UP Fighting Maroons seek consistency as UAAP prep intensifies in World University Basketball Series]
FilOil MVP Gerry Abadiano, who is in his final year of eligibility with the Fighting Maroons, spearheads the team along with fellow seniors Harold Alarcon, and Terrence Fortea.
Incoming freshman recruit Miguel Palanca, a product of the NU-Nazareth School, will also be showing his wares for the Fighting Maroons before their impending title defense in UAAP Season 88 later this year in September.
Holdovers from the Season 87 championship team include Sean Alter, Mark Belmonte, Janjan Felicilda, Reyland Torres, Jacob Bayla, Chico Briones, and Gani Stevens are also included in the team that will open its campaign on Saturday, August 9.
Rounding up the team are spitfire guard Rey Remogat, Joshua Coronel, Miguel Yniguez, LA Andres, fit-again Seven Gagate, and foreign student athlete Francis Nnoruka.
UP will be testing its depth against teams from Australia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japans as they try to maintain their championship calibre despite the departure of graduates JD Cagulangan, and Quentin Millora-Brown, and the early exit of Francis Lopez.
The Fighting Maroons begin their campaign against Korea University on Saturday.
La Salle, meanwhile, opens its title defense against National Chengchi University of Chinese Taipei also on Saturday.