Louie Alas knows Ateneo de Manila University will have to endure some growing pains as the Blue Eagles find their rhythm following a shortened preseason buildup.
With only two weeks of practice, Ateneo returned to the hardwood on Sunday and opened its Pinoyliga Big Dance campaign with a 71-60 victory over Our Lady of Fatima University at the Blue Eagle Gym.
“Expected ko ‘yung struggle sa early part, but with the way we practiced last two weeks, sabi ko eventually we’ll go back to this,” Alas said.
That limited preparation came as the Blue Eagles began a new chapter for the program following the June 8 Aurora tragedy that claimed the lives of Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia.
Alas took over as interim head coach after Tab Baldwin’s resignation and subsequently strengthened his staff by bringing in former Letran Knights RJ Jazul and Kerby Raymundo.
Despite the circumstances surrounding their return, Ateneo showed enough composure to secure its first win under Alas, with one-and-done Travis Roberts leading the way with 17 points and rookie Kieffer Alas, the coach’s son, adding 12.
For Alas, however, the significance of the afternoon went beyond the final score. After everything the program had gone through, simply being back on the court was something the team appreciated.
“‘Di kami nag-usap noong post-game; we just thanked God for allowing us to play. ‘Yun lang talaga honestly, and we’re very thankful.”
That gratitude carried into the moments after the game, when Alas joined the Ateneo faithful in singing “A Song for Mary.”
The scene proved particularly emotional for the new head coach, who appeared visibly moved when asked about the significance of singing alongside the supporters.
Rather than put his emotions into words, Alas simply gestured as if fighting back tears.
