UP gets big boost in Korea training

OUT to regain lost glory, University of the Philippines is making good use of its pre-season build-up for the 87th UAAP basketball tournament set to start on Sept. 7–big thanks to one of its long-time backers.

After a two-week training camp in Novi Sad, Serbia where the Fighting Maroons proved untouchable in all their tune-up games against collegiate and pro teams, UP hit the ground running anew in Korea starting last Monday until Aug. 9.

JJ Atencio, CEO of Januarius Holdings Inc. (JHI), has again enabled the Maroons to get better by continuing to sponsor their overseas preparations, in fulfillment of a promise made in 2018 to be their “training buddy.”

While Atencio hails from Ateneo, he has been one of the staunchest supporters of UP, pledging to take care of its athletic training abroad yearly to prepare the Maroons for the coming cage wars.

Atencio supports the team in a very focused way by funding its training in places where it could get better. He has funded the Maroons’ training in Las Vegas, Serbia, Japan and Korea the past few years.

“In the beginning, when they were the perennial underdogs and had not yet won a championship, I was attracted to the UP story,” Atencio said.

“I identified with them because they were underdogs, and I had a similar experience.

Through hard work, persistence, dedication, integrity, sincerity and prayer, you can reach your goal and I did, they did,” he added.

STATS Technical Sportswear, a subsidiary of JHI, has also outfitted the Maroons and produced their official merchandise since Atencio started supporting the team.

“JHI is one with the UP Men’s Basketball Team as we all strive to be stronger and better in Season 87,” Atencio said. “Since we entered into a partnership with UP, our goal is to be a contender every year, which we have done for several seasons now. But we are not stopping there.

“The story of the UP Fighting Maroons, who were once an underdog and now is a team to beat, continues to resonate with me and our company. That’s what makes this team special. Some may see them as the top dog now, but deep inside, they still have that underdog mentality. They will keep trying and trying and will stay hungry all the time.”

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