UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPpines coach Aboy Castro has remained realistic of his team’s goals.

After chalking up three victories last year following a winless previous season, the Maroons are out to put up a better fight with the acquisition of ace rookies Mark Juruena and Mikee Reyes and the return of Martin Reyes, Woody Co, Mark Lopez and Magi Sison.

“We want to to be more competitive,” said Castro, who is mentoring the Maroons for the second straight season. “We mostly had double-digit losses last year, so we want to be in closer games.”

Juruena, the former Adamson Baby Falcons forward who bagged the juniors MVP last year, shores up the Maroons frontline together with new recruit Carlo Gomez.

Also adding depth to the Maroons’ backcourt are Mikee Reyes, a standout point guard from La Salle Green Hills, Moriah Joel Gingerich from Faith Academy and San Beda’s Alvin Padilla.

“They give a bit more of height and quickness,” said Castro.

And with this season’s fourth spot shaping up to be a wide open race, the Maroons vie to pull off some upsets.