The scene right after the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles’ 89-62 triumph over the University of the Philippines Red Warriors was like an Ateneo homecoming.
As the Blue Eagles lined up to exchange pleasantries with the Red Warriors, nine of the current batch of Blue Eagles made sure to exchange a tight hug with UE head coach Joe Silva – their former mentor in high school.
During his 14-year stay in Ateneo High School – seven as head coach – Silva helped hone the careers of current Blue Eagles Anton Asistio, Thirdy Ravena, Aaron Black, Matt Nieto, Mike Nieto, Jolo Mendoza, Gian Mamuyac, BJ Andrade, and SJ Belangel.
But all good things must come to an end.
Late April, Silva decided that it was time to create his own legacy, leaving the Eagles’ nest to steer the Red Warriors.
Come September, they could not help but be sentimental when they faced Silva for the first time.
“At first siyempre, nakakapanibago kasi opposite sides kami. Ever since high school tapos naging coach ko pa siya, minsan, naki-training ako sa kanya nung grade school e,” expressed Mike Nieto, who won the UAAP Season 77 Juniors Basketball Most Valuable Player plum under Silva.
“It’s not a familiar situation na nasa opposite side siya. At the same time, we were excited to face him kasi first time. Maganda naman yung napakita namin against them.”
“Nakakapanibago talaga for me. Yung first championship ko sa juniors kasama siya,” added Matt Nieto, who was part of the Season 77 championship squad. “Nakaka-touch, bakit nasa other team siya?
“Ganun yung feeling e. Iba yung feeling na parang nagpalaki sa yo tapos iba na pala yung tinuturuan niya.”
But the Blue Eagles knew that they couldn’t be nostalgic throughout the game, as they had business to attend to. And it was all Ateneo as the defending champions blasted the upstart Red Warriors, even leading by as much as 32 points in the game.
“Weird siya. Nasanay ako na playing under him,” said Jolo Mendoza.
“It’s always a good feeling na makalaban mo yung dati mong coach. Hindi lang sa akin kasi ilan kaming players sa team ngayon na dumaan kay coach Joe,” reflected Thirdy Ravena. “I’m sure nakapag-prepare siya, familiar siya with each and everyone of us, and he was part of that coaching staff.
“’Pag naglalaro ka gusto mo ipakita na nagde-develop ka as a player, gusto ko rin ipakita na you respect them by playing one-hundred percent, dun mo talaga mapapakita na nirerespeto mo sila.”
“Parang…. nakaka-flashback ng memories nung first time niya ako nakita sa Bacolod eh,” said SJ Belangel as he and Silva shared a hug after the game. “Nung nagkita kami dun parang nag hand shake ganun.
“Parang nagbalik yung memories nung una nire-recruit niya ako kaya ayun, masaya.”
Still they all were happy for Silva.
“Alam ko naman na parang okay na spot niya diyan yung coaching niya. He’s been a great coach para sa amin,” said Belangel, who had two assists in nine minutes of game time.
“Actually, name-miss ko na siya. ‘Di ako sanay na naka-red siya.
“Niloloko ko siya na sana bumalik na siya ng Ateneo, pero yun know, no matter where coach Joe is, we’ll support him and vice versa naman, ganun din si coach Joe sa amin,” said Mike Nieto, who chipped in six points, two rebounds, and a steal in the contest.
“Sa industry na to, una magka-teammate kayo sunod magkalaban kayo but basketball is part of life na, at the end of the day, I still share a special bond with coach Joe, dumaan ako sa kanya, malaki tulong niya sa’kin as a player, it’s always a good experience playing against them,” expressed Ravena, who tallied eight points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
“It’s weird na we’re going against him, but we’re happy for him. We’re happy na nakakuha siya ng opportunity to lead a college team,” said Mendoza, who knocked down three triples for nine points.
“Actually yung sinisigaw niya kayla Philip [Manalang] parang ako lang ‘to nung juniors,” quipped Matt Nieto, who had six points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals. “May familiar pero may iba na siyang ginagawa ngayon. Pero parang siya pa rin yung nagco-coach sa ‘kin, nakakamiss! But I’m so happy for him.
“’Pag papapiliin ako gusto ko pa rin siya yung coach ko.”
