UAAP Season 79 Preview: Ateneo ‘happy’ with eager young core

Ateneo Blue Eagles during the Filoil tournament. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Head coach: Sandy Arespacochaga
Last year: 9-5
Key losses: Kiefer Ravena, Von Pessumal, Arvin Tolentino, Hubert Cani, Jerie Pingoy
Key returnees: Aaron Black, Thirdy Ravena, Matt Nieto, Chibueze Ikeh
Key addition: Shaggy Almond

How far Ateneo goes could largely depend on how fast its young core of players will be able to grow.

That’s how Blue Eagles coach Sandy Arespacochaga sees his team heading into the 79th Season of the UAAP.

“The young players have their ups and downs but their attitudes, their receptiveness and eagerness to learn and improve have been very great so we’re happy with our young guys,” Arespacochaga told reporters.

“But also, we know that we have a young team and the situation’s a bit unfair because they have to mature quickly,” he added.

Ateneo ushers in a new era following the departure of its celebrated superstar Kiefer Ravena, who won three championships and back-to-back MVPs to wrap up his collegiate career.

Apart from Ravena, the Blue Eagles will also miss the services of Von Pessumal due to graduation as well as Arvin Tolentino, Hubert Cani and Jerie Pingoy, players who were primed to play bigger roles but were dropped by the team due to poor academic showing.

Despite being dealt with a huge blow, Arespacochaga believes the team has the materials and personnel to endure.

“But I think they’re up to the challenge and they’re eager to prove themselves and more importantly, to work together,” he said.

“A lot of question marks on our team but what we’re really focused on is the team’s attitude, the players’ attitude. And as long as we continue to see the attitude that we want, the hard work and fighting spirit, we’re going to be very happy with them.”

Arespacochaga won’t be guiding the team alone as he will be working hand in hand with national team coach Tab Baldwin, who was appointed as Ateneo consultant, at the sidelines.

“He’s definitely helped the team a lot with his knowledge of the game,” Arespacochaga said. “And also, the first thing that coach Tab told the coaching staff is we have to work together as a team and if we do that we’re also helping the players.

“He has a very big influence on the team.”

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