THIS UAAP Season 87, we’re witnessing a different breed of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles. Some may argue that the squad is now in a rebuilding phase, but the future seems promising.
Faced with uncharted grounds as one of the few teams near the bottom of the standings, the Blue Eagles are still looking to get their groove.
The Atenean trust
Despite the sluggish start, Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin deserves to be trusted to guide the entire team back to where they belong. Without a doubt, all Ateneans would support him, even Brgy. Ginebra’s LA Tenorio.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
“There is something that they have to improve on, and I’m sure that Coach Tab and the rest of their coaching staff have their plan for them,” says the former UAAP champion, expressing his trust with this new squad.
“It’s a completely new team right now, and some of the new guys are still adjusting. As a former Ateneo player, ang hirap din makita na ganito, but it’s really like that eh.”
“Kaya nga every year kailangan talagang merong improvement eh, kasi teams are getting better every year also, so yun yung kailangan i-sustain ng Ateneo,” the floor general added.
Ateneo may have won for the first time against Adamson University Soaring Falcons, but the team is still looking to gain momentum. Jared Bahay, their top rookie, is still looking for a break.
A struggling eaglet
Tenorio, one of the lengthy list of great Ateneo point guards, remains optimistic that the group can turn things around with the highly recruited Bahay by their side every game.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
Over the years, the Katipunan-based club has been noted for producing talented point guards like as Chris Tiu, Juami Tiongson, Kiefer Ravena, Matt Nieto, and SJ Belangel.
These players not only established themselves, but they were also able to guide their respective teams to the promised land. Tenorio believes that J-House is coming next.
“Sa history ng Ateneo, meron talagang point guard parati. Now, they have Jared Bahay. Isa ‘yun sa sinasabi ko na key player who’s still adjusting na I think is pretty much normal for a high school level going to the big league right away, especially the UAAP,” Tenorio said.
The floor general’s advice
Tenorio, one of the best point guards in the Philippines, had a piece of advise for Bahay: stay aggressive and drown out the noise. More importantly, enjoy the game despite the difficulties he is facing.
“For him, gusto ko lang siya makita na maging aggressive lang. Dun niya makukuha yung rhythm and adjustment niya,” said Tenorio.
“As a young player, the most important thing is just to enjoy the game and enjoy the moment.”
“He’s at that level already, so make the most out of it na lang. Sa ngayon, nangangapa pa siya eh. Pero I think, in time, he’ll get his groove back.”
“Obvious naman eh, ‘di naman ganyan mag laro yan eh. Nakita ko ‘yung mga games niya before eh. So just give him time,” advised Tenorio, to people who are pouring out the pressure on the young baller.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
Given Bahay’s status as a highly anticipated rookie in the UAAP, criticism is expected. The seasoned guard then advised him on how to handle the situation better so that he could concentrate on his game.
“Pagdating sa criticisms, just don’t read social media. ‘Yun lang ‘yun. As a young player, hindi niya kailangang masyadong isipin mga sinasabing ibang tao. When we were young, gusto lang natin maglaro ng basketball.”
“Criticism is good also, at some point. Sana maisip niya na kaya siya kini-criticize kasi he’s one of the prized rookies and much is expected of him. It’s up to him how he handles that pressure, ‘yung mga naririnig niya na voice outside the circle,” added Tenorio.
Meanwhile, Bahay and the Ateneo Blue Eagles will attempt to build on their first win when they face the struggling FEU Tamaraws on Sunday at the Areneta Coliseum.
