MANILA, Philippines—University of the Philippines will be boosting the coaching staff of its men's basketball team with four former Fighting Maroons.

This, as part of its efforts to continue the progress of its program and win its first UAAP title since 1986.

UP head coach Bo Perasol welcomed the addition of Ronnie Magsanoc, Benjie Paras, Joey Guanio, and Xavier Nunag, whom he called "four outstanding basketball minds who have selflessly agreed to help the team."

"The track records of these coaches speak for themselves. They bring with them years of experience as both player and coach, and we believe that with them on board they will be tremendous assets to the program," said Perasol.

Magsanoc, a member of the UP squad that last won the championship, said he was excited about the opportunity to bring another championship to UP.

"If you see how the UP community has come out in support of the boys the past few years, you can’t help but feel that they really deserve it. Kaya marami talagang gustong tumulong sa team," said Magsanoc.

Magsanoc was previously a part of Perasol's coaching staff during his stint with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. He coached the San Beda Red Lions to the NCAA title in 2013, and used to be a part of the coaching staff of the Meralco Bolts.

Paras is the first PBA player to win both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player of the Year awards in the same season, and served as assistant coach with the San Beda Red Lions and Hapee Toothpaste of the PBA D-League.

Guanio, another member of the 1986 UP championship team, has served as assistant coach in the UAAP and the PBA D-League, with the National University Bulldogs and Hapee Toothpaste, respectively.

Nunag is the youngest of the four new faces, and has had stints as assistant coach in the PBA (Meralco Bolts, Purefoods), PBA D-League (Hapee Toothpaste), and the NCAA (San Beda Red Lions).

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