A TITLE defense is a tall task, and it became an even taller order for the University of the Philippines with the departures of Quentin Millora-Brown, Aldous Torculas, and Francis Lopez.

While the Fighting Maroons' already-stacked backcourt featuring Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Reyland Torres, Janjan Felicilda, and Jacob Bayla got further bolstered by Rey Remogat, the frontline remains a work in progress, as Mark Belmonte, Gani Stevens, and new foreign student-athlete Francis Nnoruka hold down the fort.

In the ongoing Playtime Cares Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, State U is averaging 37 points in the paint and 33.5 rebounds, with the numbers on the boards dropping off from 44.8 in UAAP Season 87 when they won it all.

The hole in the middle becomes much more evident, especially with fierce finals foe La Salle raising its ceiling with Mason Amos, Luis Pablo, and Lebron Daep joining captain Mike Phillips in their frontline.

UP prized transferee Veejay Pre PHOTO: Filoil Preseason Media

Veejay Pre, the reigning Rookie of the Year, and his 6-foot-5 frame is a ready-made replacement, but he will have to sit out one season for residency.

Enter Migs Palanca, a 6-foot-7 promising prospect out of powerhouse NU-Nazareth School.

After backtracking from his initial commitment to staying in blue-and-gold, Palanca was wooed by several UAAP and NCAA schools. Taking time to think it all over with the help of his family, he ultimately decided to take his talents to UP.

The true rookie will be good to go come Season 88, bringing his motor to Diliman that normed 9.1 points in 57-percent shooting, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks for the Bullpups.

"Kinelangan natin to add size, and we saw naman talaga yung potential ni Palanca. Magiging malaking tulong siya sa atin hindi lang for next season, but for five full years," said head coach Goldwin Monteverde.

In Palanca, the pride of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte, Monteverde will have a versatile big who can soak up minutes at the 4 or 5. And for all the time he will be on the floor, he is sure to go all-out with his energy and effort.

"Pero siyempre, bata pa yan. Nire-remind lang din natin na stay focused and whatever challenges that we will be facing, laban lang," said Monteverde.

UP's Migs Palanca PHOTO: NBTC/Hero Dela Pena

Of course, at just 19 years old, the new Fighting Maroon is no guarantee to be an immediate impact player. But the promise is very much appealing - which is why the maroon-and-green became interested in securing his services in the first place.

"Dito po sa UP at kasama si coach Gold, tiwala po akong made-develop ko pa po yung sarili ko. Tuloy lang po ako sa trabaho para mangyari yun," said Palanca.

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