Eagles blue, live for ‘One Big Fight?’

MANILA, Philippines - Their wings clipped by an exodus of players led by the King Eagle himself, Kiefer Ravena, the Ateneo Blue Eagles get ready to take flight with a virtually fledging group.

But they promised to stay true to the school motto “One Big Fight” day in and day out under the guidance of former Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin and Sandy Arespacochaga.

“Our team is composed of a lot of first and second-year players,” said Arespacochaga, the listed head coach in the official lineup released by the UAAP.

“From Day One, our goal is to come up with a team that will live up to the motto ‘One Big Fight,’ so we’re looking forward to play each game with that in mind.”

Ravena, along with ace sniper Von Pessumal, has maxed out his playing years and passed on the baton to the young guns. And then seven more, including young standouts Arvin Tolentino, Hubert Cani and Jerie Pingoy, moved elsewhere after getting placed on the backburner for academic deficiencies.
This left the likes of Ravena’s brother Thirdy, Adrian Wong, twins Matt and Mike Nieto, Aaron Black, Gboy Babilonia, and import Chibueze Ikeh with the task of stepping to the plate.

“We have a lot of young players but they have to play veteran minutes already. We can’t afford them to be young; they have to grow up quickly for us to be able to be really competitive,” said Arespacochaga.

Arespacochaga said he and Baldwin have prepared the team jointly, not really thinking about who would eventually be the chief tactician. Baldwin’s appointment may encounter opposition from the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP), which is against the hiring of foreign mentors, and may have to serve as consultant.

“When coach Tab came in, we decided we’ll work together regardless of which of us will be named head coach. It’s a hybrid arrangement,” said Arespacochaga. “He’s really a big influence in the team. I’m not gonna pretend I know more than him; it will be a smart move for me to defer to what he’ll say. That’s been the plan from the start – we work together regardless of titles.”

They expect such teamwork to rub off on the players.