Ateneo coach: We’re going to be judged at the end of the season, not at the start

Bo Perasol. (PDI Photo/August de la Cruz)

MANILA, Philippines — While it looks grim so far for Ateneo as it faces its worst start in a decade, head coach Bo Perasol reminded his players on Wednesday: “We’re still at the start.”

“We have to know where we are and how we could improve because we’re going to be judged at the end of the season, not at the start,” Perasol said at the heels of Ateneo’s 75-79 defeat to Far Eastern University.

That first victory this UAAP season 76 has so far eluded the defending champions — but it wasn’t for the lack of trying. And that’s what Perasol wants to build on.

“I know in my book they’re winners,” said Perasol. “What’s important is I have to make sure to manage that positivity that we have.”

Ateneo still put on a tough stand against FEU sans its star Kiefer Ravena with Ryan Buenafe giving a blistering performance of 29 big points with five triples.

But despite the emergence of a go-to-guy amid tough times, Perasol is resigned to the fact that Ravena is that biggest piece that would bring them far in their “six-peat” bid.

“I’m happy with how we played, because we had a chance of winning. But it’s not going to be enough. We need him if we need to really go up,” said Perasol.

But that lethal one-two punch might not make an appearance yet on Sunday when the Blue Eagles face their rival La Salle, as Ravena’s status remains indefinite.

Perasol, though, is not about to let the pressure of an anticipated Ateneo-La Salle clash add to the burden.

“What’s important for me is that win, regardless if it’s La Salle or not. I know it’s important for the Ateneo community, but for me what’s important is we get that win,” Perasol said.