Arguably the highest-touted recruit for UAAP Season 87, Jared Bahay has now debuted in the last two games at the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup with Ateneo de Manila University.
Although he got off to a rocky start, scoring only a single point against Far Eastern University, the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu product showed flashes of his potential with eight points, three rebounds, and three assists against University of the Philippines.
Facing the team that initially recruited him before he ultimately committed to Ateneo, Bahay stated that the level of competition is completely different from his time in the CESAFI juniors division.
“Syempre sobrang layo, high school dito tapos dito sa Filoil, sobrang daming adjustments,” the 19-year-old floor general said.
However, as the Blue Eagles will play two more games before the preseason ends, the star prospect is thankful for the opportunity. He asserted that he’ll eventually live up to the heavy expectations set on him.
“I get more games kaya mas nakikilala ko yung mga teammates ko, yung mga coaches ko, lahat kami dito sa program,” said Bahay.
Additionally, despite Ateneo currently standing without a win this preseason, the 5-foot-9 guard is confident that the Blue Eagles will be in a better position come Season 87.
“As we go on, I can say mas lalong nagge-gel yung chemistry and we’re gonna be different for the [UAAP] season. I know, kaya ko, kaya ng team namin,” he concluded.
