I still remember watching the UP Women's Basketball Team struggle through their 2019 season, finishing with a disappointing 3-11 record. Fast forward to today, and they've become legitimate championship contenders - a transformation that's nothing short of remarkable. Having followed their journey closely, I've noticed several key factors that contributed to this dramatic turnaround, and it all starts with the cultural shift that began with Coach Paul Ramos's arrival in 2020.
When I first heard team captain Louna Ozar drop that now-famous line in a post-game interview - "Yun lang sa next game namin, yung effort lang talaga namin. Kudos sa kanila lahat sa kanila nagwo-work. Ayun. Kitakits na lang sa Friday" - it struck me as more than just another sports cliché. That statement, roughly translating to "Just our effort in our next game. Kudos to all of them who are working hard. That's it. See you on Friday," actually encapsulates the entire philosophy behind their resurgence. There's a raw authenticity to how these players approach the game that you don't often see in collegiate sports. I've attended enough practices to notice how this mindset translates to their training regimen - they're consistently the last team to leave the court, often staying an extra 45 minutes working on individual skills.
The statistical improvements tell part of the story, but they don't capture the full picture. Under Coach Ramos's system, the team's scoring average jumped from 58.3 points per game in 2019 to 74.8 this current season - that's nearly a 28% increase for those keeping track. Their defensive rating improved by 12.4 points per 100 possessions, which in basketball terms is the difference between being the worst defensive team and ranking among the top three. But what the numbers don't show is how they achieved this through what I'd describe as "connected discipline" - every player understands their role so thoroughly that they move like five fingers on the same hand. I've spoken with several players off the record, and they consistently mention how Ramos's emphasis on "next play mentality" has eliminated their fear of making mistakes.
What really impresses me about this squad is how they've developed what I call "situational intelligence." During their crucial game against La Salle last month, I watched point guard Kaye Pesquera make three consecutive defensive stops in the final two minutes that directly led to their comeback victory. These weren't just lucky plays - they were the result of countless hours studying film and understanding opponents' tendencies. The coaching staff shared with me that they've increased their video analysis sessions from two to five hours weekly, focusing specifically on late-game scenarios. This attention to detail is what separates good teams from championship contenders.
The recruitment strategy has been another masterstroke in their transformation. Instead of chasing the most highly-touted high school prospects, they've focused on identifying players who fit their specific system and culture. Take rookie sensation Rhea Sanchez - she wasn't even ranked among the top 15 prospects in her class, but she's averaging 14.2 points and 7.8 rebounds while playing elite perimeter defense. The scouts identified her relentless motor and coachability as perfect fits for their system, and she's exceeded even the most optimistic projections. Having evaluated basketball talent for over a decade, I can confidently say this approach to recruitment represents a significant shift in how mid-tier programs can compete with traditional powerhouses.
Their strength and conditioning program deserves special mention too. Under strength coach Miguel Torres, the team has reduced their fourth-quarter scoring deficit by 68% compared to previous seasons. They've implemented what Torres calls "game-specific endurance" training - simulating actual game fatigue through specialized drills that mimic the stop-start rhythm of basketball. I tried one of their conditioning drills during a media day, and I can personally attest to how grueling their training regimen actually is. This physical transformation has been crucial in close games, where they've won 8 of their 11 contests decided by five points or less this season.
The fan support has created what I believe is the most intimidating home court advantage in the league. Attendance at their home games has increased by 217% since 2019, creating an atmosphere that genuinely impacts opposing teams. During their recent win against Ateneo, the decibel level reached 112 during crucial defensive possessions - that's equivalent to standing near a chainsaw, and it visibly disrupted Ateneo's offensive sets. As someone who's attended games across various collegiate leagues, I can say the connection between UP's fans and players feels different - more organic and mutually supportive rather than transactional.
Looking ahead, I'm convinced this team has what it takes to win the championship this year, though they'll likely face UST in what should be an epic finals series. Their transformation from league doormats to title contenders represents more than just improved basketball - it's a case study in organizational culture shift, strategic player development, and the power of embracing process over outcomes. That simple phrase from Ozar about focusing on effort rather than results wasn't just player-speak; it was the manifesto that guided one of the most impressive turnarounds I've witnessed in my years covering collegiate sports. The Friday games she mentioned have become must-watch events, and honestly, I haven't been this excited about women's basketball in years.