The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles were not to be denied last December 5. They badly wanted to win the school’s back-to-back championship on that day.
Last season, the Blue Eagles won their first championship in the post-‘fivepeat’ era on December 3. That day is special for Ateneans, as it is the feast day of St. Francis Xavier – the co-founder of the Society of Jesus.
“Actually, it’s the feast of St. Francis Xavier, so maybe he had a hand in it,” shared Isaac Go, a Xaverian, who knocked down the dagger that gave Ateneo the UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball Championship.
Three-hundred sixty-seven days later, the Blue Eagles were once again in the Finals. And they had the opportunity to clinch the school’s 10th championship in men’s basketball on another special day.
Former Ateneo Blue Eagle and current team manager Christopher ‘Epok’ Quimpo was celebrating his birthday.
“We knew about his birthday when coach Tab was speaking before Game Two. He said, ‘Hey, no pressure, but it’s Boss Q’s birthday,'” disclosed Blue Eagles skipper Mike Nieto.
“Si Boss Q, he didn’t want to tell us about his birthday kasi nga baka dumagdag sa pressure. But he has done so much for the program.”
Quimpo had the tough task of filling the shoes left by Paolo Trillo back in 2013. Under Trillo’s watch, the Blue Eagles were able to go on one of the most dominant runs in UAAP history, winning five straight championships from 2008 to 2012.
But the former Ateneo Women’s Basketball head coach had a hard time during his first few years.
From numerous Blue Eagles not making the high academic quota, to various off-court issues, Quimpo was tested. Yet he and the Blue Eagles persevered.
“As a player I won’t be able to justify entirely yung natutulong niya sa team because most of it are behind the scenes,” shared two-time UAAP Men’s Basketball Finals Most Valuable Player Thirdy Ravena, who was declared ineligible back in the 78th Season of the UAAP.
“Ang masasabi ko lang, he makes a lot of things possible and easier for us. Siya yung tagasalo namin sa maraming bagay.”
In his third year, Quimpo found the right pieces for the Blue Eagles. The team was able to make it to the Finals against a powerhouse La Salle squad. A year later, they were able to win it all.
Come December 5, it was the Blue Eagles’ turn to give back to their kuya.
“Sobrang special ni Boss Q. Siya yung kumuha sa akin, siya yung hindi nawalan ng tiwala sa akin. Yung pag-handle niya sa team, wala kami ngayon ‘pag wala siya. Siya yung crucial sa amin,” shared Matt Nieto.
“Kaya before that Game Two against UP, alam naming birthday niya, dinedicate namin sa kanya talaga. Best birthday gift ever diba?”
“Sobrang mahal namin si Boss Q and that game, we just offered that to him. Kitang-kita naman yung picture ni Boss Q na punong-puno ng cake mukha niya. Ang nangyari kasi dun, may cake before the game and then after, nilagay na lang namin sa mukha niya,” added Mike.
“Boss Q, I love you.”
