UAAP 89 tips off with tributes, title bids Ulandzy

MANILA, Philippines — Eyes will not just be on modern-day rivals La Salle and University of the Philippines when UAAP Season 89 tips off.

After one of the craziest and most controversial offseasons in league history, the heaviest weight will fall on embattled Ateneo – a program trying to rise from the ashes following the tragedy in Dipaculao, Aurora that claimed the lives of Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia.

In their honor, the Blue Eagles will wear black “DA” and “RB” patches on their jerseys for the entire season as Louie Alas ushers in a new era as interim head coach during one of the most challenging chapters in Loyola’s rich, winning tradition.

“Ever since the accident happened, ‘yun na agad nasa isip ng team, to dedicate this year for Rene and Divine,” said Alas, who took over from Kiwi-American mentor Tab Baldwin.

Thrust into a national issue and facing public scrutiny that could spill onto the court, Ateneo admits it will never be fully ready emotionally. But Alas is trying to get his wards prepared for their debut against University of the East on Sept. 16 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“I’m ready to accept the challenge,” said Alas, who is banking on unwavering support from the Ateneo community that has rallied behind the team in practices and in the Pinoy Liga Big Dance preseason, with the help of new assistants Kerby Raymundo and RJ Jazul.

“No expectations and no goal. Gusto lang muna namin i-enjoy ‘yung binigay sa amin ng Diyos at binigay ng UAAP to be here and play. Of course, part ng healing namin ito. Mas madali kaming maghe-heal kung mananalo.”

The Ateneo-UE tiff will follow opening day on Sunday, Sept. 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, featuring host Far Eastern U against Adamson and defending champion La Salle against National University. It is part of a compact five-game September schedule laid out by the league ahead of Team Philippines’ campaign in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which includes UAAP’s own ace student-athletes.