It’s time for the young Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles to execute what they have learned from their first 17 games
Game One of the UAAP Season 79 Men’s Basketball Finals was a classic that saw both teams find the next gear. The young Blue Eagles needed to battle back from a horrible first quarter, eventually taking their lead of the ball game with 34.6 seconds remaining on the clock.
However, the youth and inexperience of the cagers from Loyola Heights came back to haunt them at the worst possible time. A missed free throw by sophomore Matt Nieto, followed by a Thirdy Ravena turnover, paved the way for a De La Salle University win.
And for first-year Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin, it’s time for his team to execute what they have learned, especially with their backs against the wall. It’s time to grow up.
“They should [grow up]. That’s what young players should do. These guys aren’t great basketball players. They have a lot to learn. They’re hardworking kids. They’re trying to learn the game and we’re getting phenomenal lessons in a game like Game One,” the American-Kiwi mentor shared.
“But it isn’t about lessons right now. It’s about standing up to the challenge and becoming champions.”
For his part, Baldwin is bracing for the adjustments that his counterpart, Aldin Ayo, will make come Game Two. It starts with protecting the ball better than they had in the Finals opener.
“15 turnovers is an improvement from where we’ve been with La Salle in the past but you noticed in the second half, they didn’t press very much. That will come back. We’ll see that again for sure,” Baldwin reflected.
“So we have to take care of the ball, be better organized against the pressure. And we will. There’s no doubt in my mind that we will.”
After 10 months handling the team, Baldwin is now hoping to see if he has taught his students well come Game Two.
