Black sees tougher test for Eagles 4-peat

MANILA, Philippines - Coming off their conquest of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Preseason Premier Cup capped by a masterful rout of fancied San Beda, the Ateneo Blue Eagles see tougher days ahead when they begin their UAAP four-peat campaign next month.

“I think this is going to be our hardest campaign in the UAAP because the more you win, the bigger the target gets on your chest and the more people want to shoot you down,” said Norman Black, looking forward to the 74th UAAP basketball wars firing off July 10 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ateneo has tapped blue-chip recruits for its drive for a fourth straight crown, led by transferee Greg Slaughter and rookie Kiefer Ravena, both of whom were instrumental in their 75-56 mangling of NCAA champs SBC.

But Black is aware the rest of the field also infused reinforcements in their rosters and it showed in summer leagues like the Filoil and the Fr. Martin Cup.

“La Salle beat us a couple of times this summer, and we just lost to NU (National University) recently. We’re definitely not unbeatable. We really got to work hard between now and the start of the UAAP and for the rest of the tournament if we really want to win our fourth straight championship,” he said.

“But I expect it to be our toughest year,” he added.

The seven-foot Slaughter will be a major force in the Ateneo system, according to Black.

“Once we start working on execution on defense and offense and the more Greg starts learning the entire system and gets comfortable with it, I think it would be a much better team,” he said.

Gone from the last year’s lineup are graduates Eric Salamat and Jumbo Escueta, and big man Arthur dela Cruz. Last year’s Finals MVP Ryan Buenafe, who missed the summer league, is still doubtful for the season, while prospect Mark Tallo decided to remain in Cebu. Veterans Kirk Long, Bacon Austria, Justin Chua, Emman Monfort and Nico Salva are back for another title bid.

“I think we’re deep enough to be competitive this year; we’re pretty solid on our rotation,” Black said.