Looking at Ateneo's 1st round win over La Salle

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles’ 77-72 win over La Salle is a relief, inspires confidence, and sends a warning that rebuilding or not, the defending champions can still knock off favored teams and challenge. Challenge they shall.

Why was it a relief?

Well, whatever state of the team, going down 0-2 and possibly 0-3 in the first week of the new season is not ideal at all. 

The last time that happened was in 2013 during Bo Perasol’s first season, when many of the team’s veterans were hurting from various preseason injuries. That squad missed the Final Four for the first time since the program was put in place in 1999.

And speaking of blowout losses, the last time I remember Ateneo losing by a huge margin to open a season opener was 2005 in Norman Black’s first game in charge — a 78-60 thrashing by La Salle. That was ugly. In fact, an alumnus marched into the UAO the very next day to demand a coaching change. 

That team finished third in the standings with a 10-4 record and was bounced in the Final Four by La Salle. 

Knowing that and heading into this Season 86 first round clash with La Salle, even if the Blue Eagles would go down in defeat, you know they’ll lose some battles here and there but when they gain the requisite experience, they’ll be back on top.

I have heard others say that the blue chip recruits still make the team dangerous. 

I agree to a point. Potential is such a dangerous word. Either you live up to expectations or you don’t. And does a summer give the team enough experience?

Yes, it is understandable that Andrew Bongo, Jared Brown, Joseph Obasa, Mason Amos, Lebron Nieto, and Raffy Celis were seeing action for the first time in seniors hoops.

Sean Quitevis and Ian Espinosa didn’t see much playing time while the returning Jason Credo was out for two years.

While I went into this season with not much expectations, I have learned to put my faith into the coaching staff who have worked miracles. 

So it was a 77-72 win and that sent reverberations. 

The season is far from done and wherever Ateneo may end, you all know this has the makings of a very, very good basketball team given adding one or two pieces.

Here’s what I liked:

I thought