For Eagles, immediate goal is healing

MANILA, Philippines — For the first time in a decade, a coach not named Tab Baldwin will be manning the sidelines for Ateneo in the UAAP.

Seasoned mentor Louie Alas, albeit on an interim basis, has been tasked to usher in a new – and arguably the most challenging – era for the Blue Eagles following the tragedy in Dipaculao, Aurora last June.

Alas, an NCAA champion coach and veteran PBA tactician, will lead the Blue Eagles in their first test against University of the East at 3 p.m. today at the Mall of Asia Arena. The game will be followed by reigning champion La Salle’s bid for a 2-0 start against Santo Tomas (0-1) at 6 p.m.

Before everything unraveled for Ateneo in June, Baldwin had been the man for the Blue Eagles – four titles in 10 years, including six straight finals appearances and a three-peat highlighted by a perfect 16-0 sweep in Season 82.

Alas, who served as Baldwin’s top deputy last season, is well aware of his predecessor’s stacked resumé. For him, however, the task at hand is not about matching that basketball success.

The immediate goal is to begin the healing process through the game they all love.