Ateneo de Manila University has found its next floor general.
Mark Esperanza has committed to the Blue Eagles, making his decision official on Tuesday.
The 5-foot-11 guard said that Tab Baldwin’s system and his disciplined approach with players were key factors in his choice.
“Nakikita ko po sa kanila kung gaano ka-disiplinado ang isang player at ang sistema nila,” the 19-year-old floor general told Tiebreaker Times.
Last season, Esperanza played for San Sebastian College-Recoletos. Despite a turbulent campaign, he averaged 20.25 points, 5.17 rebounds, 4.58 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.
Prior to that, he suited up for Adamson University, earning a spot in the UAAP Season 87 Elite Team.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Esperanza is currently in Grade 11 and will only be eligible to play in UAAP Season 90. During this time, he plans to focus on improving his game.
He also suited up for Gilas Pilipinas Boys in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2024.
“Unang gagawin ko po ay mag-focus sa training, habang hindi pa ako eligible na maglaro ngayong season. Parang nangyari po sa akin sa Adamson noong unang taon ko—hindi po ako nakalaro—kaya ganun din po ang mangyayari ngayon,” Esperanza said.
“Ipapakita ko lang po sa kanila na magtatrabaho ako sa ensayo kahit wala pa ako this season.”
He also looks forward to learning from Baldwin.
“Sobrang laking opportunity sa akin na matuto from Coach Tab. Sobrang disiplinado niya sa players niya, papadaliin niya yung basketball, at bibigyan ka ng malawak na pag-iisip,” he shared.
Esperanza is also eager to learn from and support senior Jared Bahay.
“Si Jared naman, nakasama ko na siya the past few weeks at sobrang bait niya. Gina-guide niya ko all the time,” he said.
“Willing talaga siya na turuan ako. May matutunan ka talaga sa kanya as a senior.”
