Cebuano Desiderio to join Maroons in UAAP

Much sought-after guard Andres Paul Desiderio has found himself a home for his collegiate career as he decided to join the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons following a storied career for the University of the Visayas (UV) in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc (Cesafi).

Desiderio, a former MVP in the juniors division of the Cesafi back in 2011, the same year he led the Baby Lancers to the championship, flew to Manila yesterday in time to join the Maroons, who are preparing for their stint in the 7th Filoil Flying V Premier Cup starting April 13.

“I feel overwhelmed and fulfilled because I know I am in a good team and in good hands in my basketball career,” said Desiderio.

The youngster from Liloan town, northern Cebu  will be joining a Maroons squad that is coming off a dismal season in the UAAP last year, wherein they finished with a 1-13 (win-loss) record.  Also on the Maroons squad is another former Cesafi player in Henry Asilum, formerly of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles.

“I chose UP above the others because since then, I have always wanted to be an ‘Iskolar ng Bayan.’ I was impressed with the approach of the coaching staff when they talked to me and their drive and perseverance to make me a part of their team,” explained Desiderio regarding his reasons for joining the Maroons.