INQUIRER Sports

A COUPLE OF BIG MEN and a high school standout are among Ateneo coach Norman Black’s top prospects when the Blue Eagles shoot for a third straight UAAP championship next season.

Black said Blue Eaglet Ael Banal, the son of former Ateneo champion coach Joel Banal, Fil-Am Jason Escueta and Cagayan de Oro standout JP Erram are among the leading candidates to fill the void left by Finals MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao and guard Jai Reyes.

The 6-foot-6 Erram and the 6-4, 240-lb Escueta have already suited up for the Eagles’ Team B.

“They will probably make the lineup, but there’s no guarantee right now; we’re still trying to recruit,” said Black during the Blue Eagles’ back-to-back victory celebration on Saturday night at the school grounds.

The Eagles return to practice next Monday before leaving for the Unigames in Bacolod on Oct. 23.

“We’ll give our younger players a chance to play and develop,” said Black. “One of the keys to our success over the years is once [our veterans graduate], we don’t utilize them anymore as much as we can.”

The 6-6 Al-Hussaini, who also won last year’s MVP award, said he he has yet to decide on his future plans.

“I just want to enjoy the feeling first,” said Al-Hussaini. “It’s a sweet exit for me. I’ve achieved everything that can be achieved by a college player. But as of now, I haven’t really thought about my plans. I can play for Smart Gilas (national team), but there’s also the option to join the PBA.”