UP officials ask Bo Perasol to remain with management following resignation

University of the Philippines (UP) officials are offering Bo Perasol to remain with the management following his resignation as head coach of the Fighting Maroons.
In a statement released Thursday, team manager Atty Agaton Uvero said they asked Perasol to still remain with the team management “to guide the transition and ensure the sustainability of the program.”
“The past UAAP seasons been truly memorable for the whole UP community. Coach Bo has left a lasting legacy,” Uvero said.
“Right now, we have less than a handful of players from seasons past. We are not just rebuilding; we are starting again. But we are still better now because of Coach Bo.”
Perasol confirmed his resignation Wednesday night and issued a statement Thursday.
The 49-year-old tactician said the pandemic impacted his decision as it changed the dynamics of the playing field, as well as his views, plans and priorities.
“I promised UP after Season 82 that I will stay for another season just to sustain the rebuilding process which started many, many years back, coming off from zero wins back then,” Perasol said.
“We have gotten this far in just four seasons under my helm, that is unprecedented in fact. But the team still needs better plans as always, and a reboot. I have now decided not to coach for my last season.”
Upon his resignation, Perasol also submitted a short list of possible replacements for his position to UP officials.
College of Human Kinetics Dean Francis “Kiko” Diaz said they are now vetting the list submitted by Perasol.
“We will make a formal announcement as soon as a decision is made by the UP Diliman Chancellor, after proper consultations with the UP community, stakeholders, supporters and sponsors of the team,” Diaz said.
“We earnestly hope he (Perasol) will remain with team management to ensure the continuity of the program.”
Perasol was best known for steering the Maroons to their first UAAP Final Four appearance since 1997 in 2018 after defeating the Adamson Falcons, and eventually their first Finals appearance since 1986.
The Maroons, however, lost the championships to the Ateneo Blue Eagles in two games.
They managed another semifinal appearance the following season, but bowed to the University of Santo Tomas Tigers twice in the stepladder phase.
Perasol thanked the support he and the Maroons got during his tenure and hoped that it will continue even if he is not in the coaching helm.
He also wished the school and the team good luck.
“Just as UP stands as a symbol for the never ending fight for excellence, for the quest for knowledge and learning, so shall the Fighting Maroons pursue our never ending quest for excellence in our non academic pursuits, in the process continuing to be the rallying point for Maroon pride,” he said.