Flying high

For four years running already, the Ateneo Blue Eagles have been kings of the UAAP hill. Not to mention, they’re also kings of the collegiate basketball as it stands in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League. What has made them so formidable that teams can only beat them on not just a bad day, but a very, very bad day? I can think of a few reasons why, but a disclaimer before all that, I’m just a fan in love with basketball and its ins and outs and analyze games to the best of my abilities. Now, let’s get on shall we?

System. Since the inception of the system currently employed by Norman Black since 2005, the produce yielded four championships at the UAAP level only. Let’s count in the three other titles of the Eagles in PCCL combat as well. But what makes the system click? Or for those who never notice, what is the system? It’s pretty much cut and simple: defend to the death, rebound, tally assists and run, run and run. While the Rabeh Al-Hussaini/Chris Tiu era saw a very post-centric offense due to the emergence of Rabeh, Ateneo has adapted so well due to the departures of its pillars. It was very evident during Season 73. Lacking a very effective post player or a star at that, coach Norman turned the Eagles to a run-and-gun team that still defends at its best. Then with the entry of the 7-foot Slaughter in the middle and Kiefer Ravena from the high school ranks, there was an amalgamation of the post-centric and run-and-gun systems. They can either dump it down low to Slaughter or bust out with KRavena, Kirk Long and Nico Salva. Mind you, Slaughter also runs the floor, something Al-Hussaini and Ford Arao before him, have done.

Black Magic. There seems to be a steady stream of surprises from coach Norman Black whenever the basketball season rolls out. During Season 70, Ford Arao suddenly became the big man he was recruited for years ago. And then, in Season 71, the biggest reclamation project of Black turned up and won the MVP award. No one expected Rabeh Al-Hussaini to become such a monster down low. Before, opponents would look at him with glee because he was mincemeat on defense and on offense. But as he thundered down the paint during the first championship of the Black era, dishing out double-doubles and destroying the paint opposition, boy was everyone very afraid. Then last year, Norman Black unleashed Justin Chua to every Ateneo fan’s surprise and much to the dismay of opposition. He was vital in what would probably be the most challenging championship season. This year, while Chua has mellowed down to a supporting role, someone rose up. This someone was named Tonino Gonzaga, a forward-center for the Blue Eaglets but converted to a guard in the seniors. However, aside from Chua and Gonzaga the past two years, there’s also JP Erram who has a penchant for showing up in big games with big defense, literally and figuratively. Who knows, he might star.

Recruitment. The only school who can compete with Ateneo in terms of recruiting is perhaps San Beda College, their ancient rival. Of course, I am talking about not buying out your recruits like some certain schools do. Well, come on, these two are trophy magnets. Who would not want to play for a school with a winning tradition and not only that, hands out a diploma that needs to be earned through hard work? They may say that both SBC and Ateneo hoard talent. But can they be blamed? Talents want to be winners. And to be one of the best, there’s no way to go but join the best. And the only things these two schools offer are a simple scholarship with no perks at all. Oh maybe except that championship vacation trip for a season well done.

Coaching staff. As much as the players get the credit for winning games, more should be given to a coaching staff that never stops working. The coaching staff of Ateneo is one to marvel at. Former players who pool their brains, wracking them to come up with great strategies to be carried out in perfection by the boys in Blue and White. There’s nothing much to be said about coach Norman and his assistants. Coaches Sandy Arespacochaga, Gene Afable and Jamike Jarin have been outstanding regarding player preparation, development and stability all through out the season. All games, all teams are always accounted for by the staff hence translating to wins for a scouting job done well. Hats off to everybody, and may there be more power.

Discipline and camaraderie. Again, aside from their ancient rivals, San Beda, the Ateneo basketball team has been pretty much the most disciplined and brotherly bunch of collegiate players. Even when the going is bad, you won’t see anyone hogging the ball too much (*cough* Romeo*cough*) trying to win it by himself. Everyone understands that each of them carries the team to victory. You don’t see anyone taking the credits all to himself in post-game victories. You don’t see them getting into fisticuffs, which can throw off their game. There’re no superstar complexes within these boys, even if one of them is highly touted for being a basketball phenom or being a legit seven-foot monster with skills or the other for being such a solid third scorer, or the best lockdown defender and a point guard who mixes it all to perfection. Nay, they give and share credit to anyone, down to Jeric Estrada who did not see any significant minutes at all. Now, who wouldn’t want to play with these guys?

Philosophy. Yes, team philosophy does have a big part in the Ateneo team. It’s pretty simple: no shortcuts, work hard, give your 110 percent. The boys don’t let anyone outwork or outhussle them. That is a key. The moment you let someone outwork you on the floor, that’s already an 80 percent chance to be upset. Just ask the Adamson Falcons, who weren’t able to outwork the FEU Tamaraws in arranging a date with the champions.

There you go. These are but a few of the reasons why the Ateneo basketball program is an unstoppable machine right now. Maybe someday, someone will challenge them bringing the same philosophies, tactics, etc. But as it stands right now, there’s no one out there to challenge the Blue Eagle’s flight. There may be a distant roar from its ancient foe, the Red Lions, but until they see each other with the national title at stake, no one can take the glory the Blue Eagles have earned. Looking forward to see all the best collegiate teams in the land try to land a smack down against Ateneo, see you then, in the PCCL.

One Big FIVE!