Humblebola

By Eriko dela Cruz

To say the Ateneo Blue Eagles had wild first round is a massive understatement.

The Season 85 Champions end the first round with a 4-3 record– a record that features losses from teams at the bottom half of the standings, and wins against two of the most stacked teams in the league. Amidst the chaos that is the first round, the tail end of the first round is a sign of better things to come for Ateneo.

The Blue Eagles are executing their plays better

In the first game of the season, the defending champions hardly looked like their old selves. They looked uncomfortable with the sets they were running on both sides of the court. It seemed like they were not familiar with their roles, until a switch was flipped late in the fourth quarter. Even during losses, flashes of brilliance showed, but those flashes died out rather quickly due to inconsistency. Against UP, pick-and-roll plays were well-timed, defensive assignments were well-covered, and the little things that do not show up on the stat sheet showed up on the floor.

Kai Ballungay and Chris Koon are emerging as primary options

When the play breaks down, the Eagles have gone to either Kai or Chris to create opportunities. The two veterans have proven to be the best creators in a system that values movement. With range that extends beyond the three-point line, Ballungay and Koon are the best three-way threats Ateneo has. Defense sagging? Three. Man on your grill? Blow-by. Double team? Find the open man. 

Mason Amos and Jared Brown are earning their minutes on the floor

After the departure of Forthsky Padrigao to improve his life, a huge hole was left at the point guard slot. Everybody expected Ian Espinosa to be the next man up, being on the reserve list last season. No one expected rookie Jared Brown to be THIS good. In a league where Fil-Ams generally have a hard time at the point guard position, Jared fits the role like a glove. Nothing much can be said about Mason Amos other than HOLY SH*T THAT KID’S GOOD. Hehad a rough start, but with more game reps, he could be the runaway Rookie of the Year.

More Raffy Celis and Kyle Gamber?

As Coach Tab Baldwin said at the press conference after their blowout win against UST, “I think players create opportunities for themselves, and also scenarios create opportunities. Both Kyle (Gamber) and Raffy Celis have done a great job in practice. They’ve been stellar in their work ethic, but both also joined us late so they missed half the year in terms of preparations.” (tab-on-ateneo-rookies-players-create-opportunities-a5172-20231020) In the second round, with more practices under their belts, they may be unleashed little by little, easing them into the rotation.

Tab Baldwin.

If there is any coach who can whip a team filled with rookies into shape, it’s him. In Season 79, he took a supposed rebuilding team, still smarting from the departure of a total of seven crucial players, to the Finals. While the season is still young and unpredictable, it would be foolish to bet against the guy who has made the Finals in all his seasons at the helm so far. 

The first round has been very tough for the Ateneo Blue Eagles. But if their history is anything to go by, they’re just getting started.