The rivalry game between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the De La Salle Green Archers is one of the most anticipated moments in a UAAP season, especially for the rookies.
In this heated rivalry, heroes have been born and legends have been made. But for rookies SJ Belangel of Ateneo and Joaqui Manuel of La Salle, they are not getting ahead of themselves, as they plan to relish this dream of theirs.
“Since nasa Bacolod pa ako, pinapanood ko na talaga yung Ateneo-La Salle games. Minsan kami ni papa, pupunta pa kami sa Manila para manood,” shared the 18-year-old Belangel. “Dati pangarap ko lang yung makalaro sa Ateneo, ngayon nandito na.
“Talagang, dream come true.”
“Knowing about the rivalry, I’m sure it’s a dream of every young basketball athlete to play in it. I never knew that I’ll be repping the Green but I’m extremely blessed as it is now. Playing against Ateneo in preseason gave me a glimpse of how intense the rivalry is,” said Manuel, also 18.
“But it would surely feel much more different in playing in the biggest college league in Manila.”
Expectations have been high for both Belangel and Manuel, being part of the Ateneo High School championship squad that won it all back in the UAAP Season 80 Juniors Basketball Tournament.
And Saturday’s game will be the first time the two are sharing a court since that championship.
“Yeah I’m really happy we’ll both be playing on the court once again.
“Being teammates with him, I’m sure we’re both always hoping for the best for each other whichever team we play for,” expressed Manuel.
As rookies, the two know that they will experience jitters in their first rivalry game. The two refuse to get carried away with the moment, vowing to do what is only asked of them.
“Ateneo-La Salle e, siyempre nandun yung excitement. Pero gagawin ko lang yung mga sinasabi ni coach Tab [Baldwin],” disclosed Belangel.
“Nothing more, nothing less. Help the team lang kung ano makakaya.”
