2018 UAAP Season
MANILA, Philippines — With battle-scarred key personnel from their epic UAAP Season 80 titular showdown coming back for more, expect champ Ateneo and runner-up La Salle to wage another unforgettable showdown for dominance in the 81st season.
The Blue Eagles and the Green Archers will bring back their respective core, not to mention add in a couple of blue-chip recruits to assert their might again against a field that’s all the more hungrier to rain on the blue-green parade.
Ateneo loses Vince Tolentino, Chibueze Ikeh and Kris Porter while La Salle moves on without Abu Tratter but the rest of the main guys led by finals MVP Thirdy Ravena and two-time Season MVP Ben Mbala are expected to return to fold for a possible Round 3.
That’s of course not underestimating the tough challenge improving teams like Adamson, University of the Philippines, Far Eastern U and National U are sure to pose.
Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin described this championship as the just desserts for the hard work his charges put in.
“The bad news was it just confirms everything we did (for Season 80) so next year, we’ll work even harder,” said Baldwin.
The Eagles under Baldwin and the Archers under Ayo look to break their 1-1 tie after two fiercely fought finals.
“Of course, we want to bounce back next year,” said Ayo, who told his players he’s not going anywhere in response to rumors of leaving the team. “But to succeed, we have to correct our approach in preparations.”
Ateneo did everything “by committee” all throughout the season, relying on collective effort to strike gold a year after settling for second to La Salle.
“I told the boys “we didn’t reach a peak, we reached a plateau because there has to be room for the whole team,” Baldwin shared.
“We didn’t do it as individuals, we did it as a team. So nobody stands at the plateau alone, they stand there as a team and they’re standing proud of what they’ve accomplished. And I’m very, very proud to be part of that,” he added.
There were standouts like Finals MVP Thirdy Ravena, clutch big man Isaac Go, and brave Matt Nieto, but just about everyone else down to the final man did his share in whatever way asked.
“I think we were leadership by committee this year,” said Baldwin.
He cited graduating Tolentino, a quiet type who did what was asked and led by example; Mike Nieto, a more vocal type who stepped forward ready to take responsibility when things didn’t go well; his twin brother Matt, who took leadership mantle on the hard wood; and Anton Asistio, who’s always ready to fight.
“Throughout this team, we have guys who have emerged, and will emerge in the future as leaders,” said Baldwin.