Ateneo de Manila University is enduring its worst start under Tab Baldwin, kicking off UAAP Season 87 with a 0-3 record.
The Blue Eagles opened their campaign with a 61-77 drubbing at the hands of the UP Fighting Maroons, followed by a 58-68 loss to the UST Growling Tigers — Ateneo’s first defeat to UST in nine years.
Last Sunday, the Blue Eagles fell to defending champions De La Salle Green Archers, 61-74, adding to their early-season struggles.
For some past members of the Blue Eagles, this start was a wake-up call. Enough was enough.
On Tuesday, former Ateneo guard Jacob Lao gathered his fellow alumni at the Moro Lorenzo Gym to visit the current team and provide a much-needed pep talk.
“We gathered the guys to help boost the morale of the current batch of Blue Eagles. It’s still early in the season, but we can’t be playing this way,” said Lao, who now serves as the president of Strong Group Athletics.
“As kuyas, we made sure to remind them how special it is to be a Blue Eagle and the legacy we’re all a part of.”
Lao wasn’t alone in his efforts.
A number of Ateneo alumni joined him, including Angelo Kouame, Mike Nieto, Dave Ildefonso, Tyler Tio, Raffy Verano, BJ Andrade, Jason Credo, RV Berjay, and former student-manager Paulo Maligalig.
Their goal was to remind the current squad of the significance of being part of the Blue Eagles brotherhood.
While Lao emphasized morale, Mike Nieto focused on trust.
“It’s a bit personal, so I’ll keep it a secret. But overall, the message was clear: trust in Coach Tab and the entire coaching staff, because we’ve been through this before,” shared Nieto, the captain of Converge.
Meanwhile, Raffy Verano offered a message centered on mindset.
“My message to the current Blue Eagles was simple: it all comes down to mindset. Are you willing to sacrifice for one another?”
Verano recalled his own experience as a Blue Eagle, sharing that while he wasn’t the most talented among his teammates, he found ways to contribute.
“Personally, I wasn’t the most talented among my teammates like Thirdy, Ange, Isaac, and others, but I found my own way to contribute. I focused on doing the things that might go unnoticed—those intangibles that helped both the team and myself. I prided myself on being a smart, high-IQ player who could get a bucket when needed,” said Verano, who currently plays for Phoenix.
Verano also stressed the importance of practice and accountability.
“That mindset starts in practice. Are you giving it your all to improve yourself, the team, and your teammates? It’s about leading by example and holding people accountable for their actions, whether good or bad. Everyone has to take responsibility and fully commit to being on the same page, with the hunger and motivation to succeed,” he added.
“The question is, how badly do you want it?”
This moment marks a crucial turning point for Ateneo’s campaign.
The Blue Eagles face an uphill battle as they prepare to take on the Adamson Soaring Falcons, FEU Tamaraws, UE Red Warriors, and NU Bulldogs in their upcoming games.
Despite the tough road ahead, the alumni remain hopeful that the team can still turn things around.
“Oo naman, naniniwala pa rin ako na kaya nila. May potential naman sila, at nasa ilalim sila ni Coach Tab. Alam naman natin na magaling mag-develop si Coach Tab ng players at ibang klase yung coaching niya. Sana ma-gets nila yung culture ng BEBOB (Blue Eagles, Band of Brothers), which is servanthood—magsakripisyo, basta walang kanya-kanya at laro para sa isa’t isa,” said Andrade.
“Nandiyan pa rin yung mga naka-experience ng culture, tulad nina (Sean) Quetevis, (Chris) Koon, (Josh) Lazaro, at (Kyle) Ong. Sila dapat ang maging example at tularan ng mga bago, at sana ma-lead din nila yung mga bago.”
Verano echoed this sentiment, drawing comparisons to his rookie year.
“I still believe they can turn things around. I’ve said many times that this team really reminds me of my rookie year, Season 79. I think we were ranked sixth in the UAAP, not even favored to make the Final Four. We had a rough start in the first round but turned it around, swept the second round, and eventually made it to the Finals,” added Verano.
“With Coach Tab, the rest of the coaching staff, and the support system they have behind them, I believe they can do it too!”
After the visit to Moro, the group gathered at Icho Japanese Restaurant to reminisce about their time together at Loyola Heights.
