Ziv Espinas was determined to give his all against Adamson High School in the UAAP Season 86 High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament despite coming from illness.
The son of Gabby Espinas produced nine points and five rebounds for the Ateneo Blue Eagles against the Baby Falcons but his contributions were not enough as his team lost 81-64 Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
And the 15-year-old did it while being under the weather.
“It’s the cold and the dry cough,” he said. “Namamaga yung parang tonsil ko. Nahihirapan ako sa breathing so every time na like two minutes, nawawalan ako ng hinga so nagpapa-sub ako kay coach.
“Ginusto ko kasi Adamson eh. Finalists sila last season. Alam kong gutom na gutom sila sa panalo. We wanted to win din para we can prove to the other teams na we’re a team to watch.”
The result was Ateneo’s first loss this season.
The Blue Eagles now have a 1-1 record after overcoming the UPIS Junior Fighting Maroons 93-86 on opening day.
While losses are always tough to take, Espinas and the Blue Eagles are learning to take these setbacks in their strides.
“Siyempre, di na namin kailangan maging malungkot for this game kasi natalo na kami. What we talked about in the locker room was don’t be too happy but also don’t feel too sad. We just have to be in the moment and learn about the game,” the 6-foot-2 forward said.
As a newcomer to the UAAP, the former Lyceum of the Philippines University-Cavite Jr. Pirate is still adjusting to his new league.
It will always be difficult for rookies to make an instant impact but Espinas is learning every day.
It has been a good experience so far for him, though, and he continues to try to make the most of life as a Blue Eagle, especially since he and his teammates have big dreams.
“Maganda naman,” said Espinas. “Mas na-develop ko yung laro ko although di ko pa na-re-reach yung full potential ko. I’m doing the game that I do and I’m helping the vets to get what they want and also the team.
“Siyempre, we always talk about the championship sa practice. Playing in the UAAP, madaming teams na yun din ang pinag-uusapan. Feeling ko kaya naman namin. We just have to listen to the coaches’ gameplan and do it on the court.”
