The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles are starting to break away from the middle of the pack in the UAAP Season 79 Men’s Basketball tournament. After a stunning upset loss to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, the cagers from Loyola Heights have won two straight games, including a 65-50 rout of Final Four contenders National University Bulldogs.
Filipino-American rookie Raffy Verano, who played the role of defensive specialist in Ateneo’s first nine games, showed his offensive repertoire on Sunday afternoon. Verano scored 11 points in the second quarter as the Blue Eagles were able to break the game wide-open.
“Raffy played well today but he also rebounded well,” Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin remarked about his rookie’s performance. “He played good defense and that is more important for me. The points will come.”
Standing at 6-foot-3, Verano had to adjust to the Philippine style of play as he is now forced to play big instead of playing the two-guard.
“It’s very different. Coming out here the pace is faster. Usually I play big here but I play guard in the States,” said the 18-year-old, who finished the game with 20 points. “But coming down here, playing the three and the four, it’s starting to get more comfortable.”
“It was a tough transition but I’m getting used to it.”
But with the help of his coaches and his teammates, he has adjusted not only to the style of play but to the lifestyle as well.
“It’s going great. I’m really enjoying it here especially in Ateneo with our coaches, team, and school in general. So it’s getting comfortable,” said Verano, who came from San Gabriel Academy in California.
It also doesn’t hurt that he gets to play under the tutelage of former National Team head coach Tab Baldwin, something which he says was the kicker that brought him to Loyola Heights.
“[My parents] told me that it was a possibility [to have Baldwin as head coach]. It was really good to hear that. Then I met him when he came to visit,” he said. “What sold me to Ateneo were my parents. They studied in UP. They told me how different education is here, it’s more applied here. I thought playing here would be better for me educationally.”
“It’s great. I learn a lot everyday at practice. Such a great coach to be playing under.”
Even after his breakout offensive outing, the former All-Westside League member is just looking to contribute whatever he is asked of to help his team in the final stages of the tournament.
“Any way possible. Like if its to do the dirty work, to rebound, or just the little things. I’m willing to do anything to help the team out,” he said.
“I’m slowly getting my confidence so if they need to, I’ll try to step in.”
