Backer arming UP Maroons with data analytics

MANILA, Philippines — Finalists in 2018 and Final Four finishers in 2019, the UP Fighting Maroons are tipped to remain as contenders once UAAP play resumes with a solid lineup and a program fully supported by corporate backers.

Kobe Paras leads the cast souped-up roster bolstered by key offseason recruits under the program of coach Bo Perasol with a staunch backer in Januarius Holdings Inc. and its subsidiary STATS Performance Apparel.

For one, JHI chairman and CEO JJ Atencio bankrolled the team’s overseas training in Serbia and the US.

Recently extending its tie with the UP team, Atencio announced JHI will provide the Maroons with data analytics technology, which is being used by elite teams in different leagues overseas.

“Our journey with the UPMBT started three years ago, when, acting on a strong gut feeling, we decided to be major sponsors, despite the team just coming out of a lackluster season, the absence of significant community support, and my not even being a UP alumnus,” said Atencio. “We wanted to be part of the dream and help create something that eventually we could all be proud of.  Fast forward to today, it’s a completely different situation.”

“We are beyond grateful for having JJ (Atencio) and JHI in the team for the past three years and a couple more,” said Perasol.

Perasol, team manager Atty. Agaton Uvero, nowheretogobutUP Foundation founder Renan Dalisay, JHI head of business development Paolo Cagalingan and STATS chief executive officer Edrin Panganiban were present in the MOA signing recently.

Cagalingan also spearheads JHI’s investments in sports analytics technology.