Overseas training up next for Eagles

MANILA, Philippines — There will be no rest for the weary as the Ateneo Blue Eagles are set to intensify their UAAP buildup by pitching a number of international training camps on the heels of their triumphant run in the PBA D-League.

The Blue Eagles take a trip to Greece next week for the first stop of their three-country journey in the whole month of July, two months before the anticipated UAAP opener in September.

“Our goals for the D-League were accomplished and now we’re on to the next stage,” said head coach Tab Baldwin shortly after their masterful 98-66 Game Four win over the undermanned foe Centro Escolar U.

“(We’re going) overseas and really buckle down and get tough with the guys now. I think we kind of bit cruising at this point so we have to toughen things up,” Baldwin added.

As satisfying as their championship in the D-League was especially with it being a 20-team tournament, Baldwin played down the achievement and said they’re not yet ready for their UAAP three-peat bid.

“We’re not ready. We’re not even poised. We’re still babies in terms of our system development,” the American-Kiwi mentor said. “We have long ways to go. We’re not ready for the UAAP but we will get there.”

The Blue Eagles depart for Greece on July 5 with stops in Singapore on the way home, then take trips to Perth and Melbourne, Australia right after to wrap up a grueling international tour.