Bo Perasol's University of the Philippines journey has come full circle as he has been named as the brand new Director of the Office for Athletics and Sports Development (OASD).

"Actually, very mixed ang emotions ko dahil sa enormity ng trabaho. There are over 700 student-athletes sa Diliman pa lang and ang intensyon ko talaga is to get to know each of them para matutunan natin how to move forward 'di lang para sa kanila kundi para rin sa future student-athletes," he said, after his appointment was formalized on Wednesday.

"Ang gusto nating mangyari is maging handa yung opisina to really cater to the needs of UP student-athletes. Mixed emotions, pero mostly excited din kasi ngayon, ang task ko is not just to oversee the basketball program, but all of UP programs."

Previously, Perasol was the Fighting Maroons' men's basketball program director and was the architect behind State U's first championship since 1986. Through his stewardship of the program, talents such as Carl Tamayo, Zavier Lucero, Malick Diouf, and JD Cagulangan decided to don the maroon-and-green.

For four years prior, the 52-year-old called the shots himself for UP, amassing a 28-28 record on the sidelines, all the while leading the Fighting Maroons out of their so-called dark days -- when they only won 13 times from 2008 to 2015 -- and into legitimate contention.

"Ang ginawa ko lang naman dun is to be part of the team. When I was a coach, andami kong jina-juggle kasi, from game plans to allowances to sponsors, so when I was program director, ako lang yung nandun para maging link ng lahat so the coaching staff can focus on the game," he said.

"I'm hoping the same structure can be realized sa OASD: cooperation ng alumni, participation ng community, support ng school administration, and determination ng coaches and players. Yun yung nakita kong critical factors para maging successful yung endeavor."

Now, Perasol stands as first-ever athletic director for all eight campuses of the UP system, overseeing each and every sport and event the Fighting Maroons compete in.

He will take a seat on the UAAP's Board of Managing Directors alongside Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan as school representatives, take the lead in recruitment of both players and coaches, take time to connect with alumni to gather whatever support they can offer, and take care of student-athletes' academics, health and nutrition, and overall future, as per the official appointment by UP Pres. Angelo Jimenez.

More than three decades ago, the South Cotabato native was one of those student-athletes, leaving his hometown to suit up and see action for Diliman's basketball team. He played in the UAAP for five years, being team captain for his last two seasons.

Now the team captain of all UP sports, Perasol hopes to help the current crop of Iskolar-Atleta ng Bayan become the best versions of themselves. And that means, first and foremost, unifying alumni backing and then finding ways to make sure the Fighting Maroons will be competitive on- and off-court.

"Yun naman ang intensyon ko at purpose ng office: to help the university and its student-athletes in whatever way we can. Kung ano man yung kulang, pupunan natin kasi unlike other schools, libre ang lahat sa UP so walang mapagkukunan ng funds per se," he said.

"Of course, we will always welcome yung generosity ng alumni natin, but at the same time, we have to make sure na may iba pang mapagkukunan. We want this new office to be self-sustaining din, in a way."

As Perasol looks forward to taking on another uphill climb, he can rest assured that he has already gotten over the hump before -- and in doing so, paved the path for many more to do so as well.

From the time when a single win was already cause for celebration to now that a championship is actually the expectation, he has been in the middle of it all as the Fighting Maroons transformed into 'Winning' Maroons.

"I'm not expecting to stay long as OASD Director. First and foremost, I just want na ma-institutionalize yung pag-aalaga sa lahat ng student-athletes sa lahat ng UP. If we do that, I'll be more than happy," he said.

"I always believe na ang proof ng leadership is kung kayang tumakbo ng isang bagay kahit hindi na ikaw ang nagpapatakbo. Hopefully, ganun din ang magawa natin dito."