Blue Eagles test rookies in Filoil tilt

ATENEO gets to test its new players as the Blue Eagles look to regroup from the graduation of star Kiefer Ravena in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup starting April 30 at Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Former high school standouts Tyler Tio of Xavier School and Bryan Andrade of Ateneo lead the new recruits hoping to showcase their wares in the premier preseason basketball tournament.

Mentored by new coach Tab Baldwin, the Eagles listed Aaron Black, Matt Nieto, Vince Tolentino and John Apacible as the only holdovers.

Also in the lineup are Team B players Jose Manuel Escaler, Louis Timothy Cu, Jay Javelosa, Cole Micek, Marc Salandanan and Dan Wong.

But team officials said the other mainstays like 2014 top rookie Arvin Tolentino, Thirdy Ravena, Hubert Cani, Jerie Pingoy, Mike Nieto, Adrian Wong, Isaac Go and transferee CJ Perez are expected to join the team following the completion of their academic requirements.

The Eagles clash with University of the East at 4 p.m. on opening day.

Adamson and La Salle kick off the double-header at 2 p.m.

Baldwin had said the exposure will be good for the team “as we need to see what we are up against.”  Jasmine W. Payo