For some of the student-athletes of Ateneo Pilipinas, their game against South Korea was more than just a game. It was Ateneo’s 23 for 2023 Gilas Cadets’ gauge to see what they need to improve on come the build-up to the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Coming into the Jones Cup, the defending UAAP Men’s Basketball Champions that discipline and youth will be their key to victory. However, the South Koreans showed that there is another level to it.
“Coming into the tournament naisip ko na our biggest advantage is that we are a disciplined team… pero mas grabe pa pala yung disiplina ng Korea,” admitted Thirdy Ravena after Ateneo Pilipinas’ 73-90 loss to South Korea’s National Team.
Though the Blue Eagles were able to keep close with Korea for most of the game, the Koreans retained their poise. It resulted in their dishing out 30 assists for 36 made field goals. Moreover, the 33rd-ranked team in the world knocked down 10 of their 18 attempts from downtown – majority of which were the result of their quick ball movement.
“As you can see, South Korea’s offense was flawless. They knew what there strength is and that is the lessons na napulot ko talaga. They shared the ball and just followed their system. Pero happy kami cause we gave it our all both sides in offense and in defense,” shared Matt Nieto, who had 12 points in the game but fouled out late.
“There’s nothing i can ask more in what we did sa game na ito.”
“Makikita sa laro na parang naghihintay lang sila na magkamali kami or malate sa defensive rotation bago sila umatake, so grabe talaga yung patience nila,” added Ravena, who finished with a team-high 14 points to go along with five steals and four assists.
“I guess it comes with their experience, kasi para sa akin maganda naman overall yung depensa namin pero na-exploit pa rin nila yung mga maliliit na details na hindi namin na-execute.”
“It was a tough game. They were big, athletic, smart and very good shooters,” chimed Isaac Go, who finished the game with five points and was tasked to defend naturalized Korean Ricardo Ratliffe during the first half.
“I think the biggest learning form this game is that we know we can compete, but there are just things we have to work on to help us close that gap.”
Korea’s players only have an average age of 26 years old. Come 2023, the core of this team will most like be back – including Ratliffe and Heo Hoon. And the Ateneo trio vow to be ready for them.
“Motivated kami more than ever kasi nakita ko na kayang kaya ng bansa natin mag-compete internationally at a high level. Practice lang talaga at disiplina ang kailangan,” stressed Ravena.
“I think this isn’t just specifically for Korea but every team here. We’re motivated to continue to work hard cause we know that we can be better players,” furthered Go.
“I’m very motivated na makalaban ulit sila knowing that nakalaban ko na sila ngayon and kahit paano alam ko na how they play and i want to get back at them naman,” closed Nieto.
“And in five years time, hopefully, mas mag-improve ako and the rest of the Cadets para eventually matalo namin yung South Korea.”
