Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
All signs seem to point to an Ateneo romp in the UAAP Season 82 basketball tournament that starts on Wednesday, but Blue Eagles captain Mike Nieto insists there’s more to it for them than claiming a third straight crown.
“Of course, the three-peat is one of our goals, but we also want to be known as the greatest team ever,” declared Nieto, who will play his final year with the Eagles along with twin brother, Matt, reigning Finals MVP Thirdy Ravena and Isaac Go.
“We want people to see beautiful basketball, not just one or two players, but the whole team and the whole system of coach Tab (Baldwin).”
With the core of the past two championship runs returning and a stellar buildup that saw them sharpen their game in Greece and Australia, rival coaches agree that the Blue Eagles are overwhelming favorites for the crown.
“I think it’s quite obvious that it’s Ateneo,” said Adamson coach Franz Pumaren, whose Falcons take the first crack at the Blue Eagles on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. “From player one to 16, they have a strong lineup, skills-wise.”
“Ateneo is No. 1, with Adamson a close second,” said National U coach Jamike Jarin.
Baldwin refused to be drawn into the discussion of his team’s status as favorite.
“I’m always reluctant to say too much before the first game because the first game says a lot,” said Baldwin. “And when the lights of the UAAP come on, its different from all your preparation. From what I’ve seen, we look good, we look like we’re ready. But even the greatest pre-season you can imagine doesn’t mean a lot.”
Pumaren said University of the Philippines has the “best recruiting class” with Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero and Jaybie Mantilla set to suit up for the Fighting Maroons, who made the finals last season with a team led by Bright Akhuetie, Jun Manzo and Juan Gomez De Liano.
A champion just three seasons ago, De La Salle hopes to return to the Final Four with a squad powered by Filipino-foreigners Keyshawn Evans, Jamie Orme, and James Laput, who all have US NCAA experience.
“We’re excited for what’s in store this season because all of the teams improved,” said La Salle coach Gian Nazario.
The Blue Eagles-Falcons clash at 4 p.m. cap a triple-header on the first day of the tournament.
Three matches will be be scheduled every Wednesday this season as the league compresses its number of gamedays in support of the country’s hosting of the Southeast Asian Games starting November.
University of Santo Tomas, whose top rookie last season CJ Cansino is set to return following an injury-shortened stint in 2018, and University of the East square off in the first game of the triple header at 10:30 a.m., before Far Eastern U tests UP.
The season kicked off last Sunday with a program at Mall of Asia Arena, where UAAP president Em Fernandez of Ateneo said the theme “All for More” is anchored on the athletes, who represent not UAAP member schools but also the country in international competitions.
“There will be a number of UAAP athletes in the SEA Games this year and we’ve had changes in our schedule just to support the country in the SEA Games,” Fernandez said.