Louie Alas did not want to set any definite goals for Ateneo de Manila University heading into the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
Instead, the newly appointed interim head coach of the Blue Eagles wants his squad to savor the opportunity to continue playing the sport they love as part of their healing process.
Ateneo’s basketball program remains in mourning following the tragic passing of players Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia on June 8 in a drowning incident during the team’s team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Following the incident, the UAAP permanently banned then-head coach Tab Baldwin while suspending team manager Epok Quimpo and assistant coaches Dean Castaño, Sandro Soriano, Jon Jacinto, Buboy Domingo, CJ Elumba, and Grant Dearns. Only Baldwin’s sanction was unappealable.
“As I’ve said, gusto muna namin i-enjoy yung ibinigay sa amin ng Diyos, binigay ng UAAP to be here and play. Of course, part ng healing namin ito; mas madali kaming maghi-heal kung mananalo,” said Alas on Tuesday during the league’s press conference at the Novotel Manila.
To help him implement his system faster and more effectively, Alas has also tapped former wards RJ Jazul and Kerby Raymundo as assistant coaches for the Blue Eagles.
Alas also explained why he accepted the role despite previously being part of Baldwin’s coaching staff. The interim head coach was not part of the team-building activity.
“Ako, talagang nung nangyari yung incident, I’m ready to go kasi alam naman natin yung command responsibility. But when one of the priests approached me kung okay lang ba ako temporary coach, sabi ko, ‘Father, wala sa personality ko yung nagba-back down sa mga challenges’,” Alas shared.
“Noong makita ko yung mga player, paano mo iiwan yun? Sabi ko nga sa inyo, ready to go, ready to retire, pero with that situation, tingin ko walang coach na aalis. Sabi ko nga sa inyo, assistant coach na lang ang [gusto] ko; ayaw ko nang mag-head coach. But yun ang binigay ng Diyos, and I’m ready to accept the challenge.”
Ateneo will also honor Adili and Baterbonia throughout the season by wearing “DA/RB” patches on their jerseys.
The Blue Eagles will begin their campaign on September 16 against the University of the East Red Warriors at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Leading Ateneo will be holdovers Jared Bahay and Shawn Tuano, alongside newcomers Kieffer Alas and EJ Kapihe.
“Ever since the accident happened, yun na talaga ang nasa isip nila. To dedicate this year to those guys. Talagang nasa puso nila yun,” said Alas.
