Secrets of the three-peat

The Ateneo de Manila campus was festive last night, celebrating the rare accomplishments of both the Blue Eagles and Blue Eaglets, bringing together the school, alumni, sponsors and friends. A temporary carnival sprouted on the grade school grounds, a concession to the possibility of rain. The Loyola Schools also celebrate with a University holiday, allowing students the luxury of staying up late as their final exams approach.

Rare as it is, the three-peat was not sprung overnight. In fact, it was something that any school longing for long-term success must put itself into position to achieve. As the saying goes “Success is when preparation and opportunity meet.” How did the Blue Eagles prepare to meet this rare chance?

Recruitment. It all starts with the raw material. Three years ago, Ateneo already had a strong line-up, but knew that they couldn’t just bring in newcomers for the long haul. So the school recruited heavily, giving scholarships to the likes of Ryan Buenafe, Justin Chua and a platoon of others who would grow into their roles on the senior teams.

Some, like Buenafe from San Sebastian, made immediate impact as the Blue Eagles won a title in 2008. Others did not pan out, and ended up on Team B, and were not abandoned by Ateneo.

Continuity. Bringing in new talent is not a one-shot proposition. Last year was a clear example. The Blue Eagles lost Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Noy Baclao and Jai Reyes, three starters. Any other team would have been decimated. But there were other players who were already understudies to the big three, merely waiting for their minutes. They had been part of the system, and had the experience of winning two titles already.

Of course, Ateneo was not considered the favorite by any stretch of the imagination, but they were solid in all positions. The team just needed to come together. UE also met with some short-term success a few years ago, bringing in players who had played for other programs.

But they would not be there in full four or five years, adding a burden to the Red Warriors’ recruitment program.

Experience. This was Ateneo’s wild card in the Finals. The core of FEU had been together since 2007, and had been through so much. But they had never been to the big dance. They hit clutch shots throughout the season. The Tamaraws had been leading the league all the way, and made a breakthrough in their first Final Four story in a generation, a thriller of an overtime win against De La Salle. But in the Finals, they were beaten to the punch by Ateneo in Game One, falling behind and finding themselves unable to come back. In Game Two, they led early, then succumbed to the pressure, even playing without their head coach in the second half, when they needed to stay together the most.

Ateneo had been there before, had the patience, and knew the opportunities would come.

Staying below the radar. It was an unfamiliar tag for Ateneo “underdog.” But a couple of losses dissipated all the pressure of being invincible. Staying spots was not the goal, winning a championship was. That’s why Norman Black says this was the most satisfying, because people didn’t think they could do it. Losing was acceptable to the minds of a lot of people, who looked at FEU and placed the pressure on them instead. Ateneo appeared weaker than people assumed, and schools like Adamson and De La Salle seemed stronger.

Making adjustments. Ateneo had been beaten twice by FEU in the elimination rounds, and seemed vulnerable. But Black’s emphasis on team defense was going to make an impact in the Finals, given a few adjustments. Also, a different hero emerged for Ateneo in every game that they won: Kirk Long, Emman Monfort, Ryan Buenafe. The experience was starting to pay off. They just couldn’t sit on their past successes.

Looking ahead. This season could have been easily just tossed aside, considering another big recruiting class is coming in next season. RP Youth standout Kiefer Ravena, son of former pro and 1991 Manila SEA Games gold medalist Bong Ravena, has been tearing up the UAAP juniors tournament and bringing trophies to his alma mater. Seven-foot Greg Slaughter is serving his residency, and will be eligible to play next year. Also being recruited are other junior standouts like Von Pessumal and Gwynne Capacio, who will be the next generation of role players waiting to fill in big shoes. Ateneo could have easily just waited for next year. But that would have been a dishonor to the players and coaching staff. They made their move. They proved they were not just a transition team.

Success begets success. Everybody wants to play for a winner. A successful program makes recruiting easier. The recent success of Ateneo makes it easier to call in young players, who see the UAAP games on television and want a piece of that glory. It makes it easier for Ateneo to find players with the skill, desire, character and aptitude to make the team. And from the very start, the players know that they have to hit the books. No pass, no play.

It was a very colorful season, and some schools will be rebuilding again. Ateneo will have an overabundance of talent, and the new players will have the hunger to prove themselves. Recruitment, continuity, experience will all come to play. Rivals like De La Salle and NU will have reloaded. The Blue Eagles won’t be able to stay below the radar anymore. They’ll be the targets.

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Interviews with the UAAP champion Ateneo Blue Eagles will be available on web via AstigTV.ph and TVJuan.com starting tomorrow evening.