when i read this email from rebo, i got teary-eyed. i spent four years with the boys. i love the ones who have graduated. i love the ones who decided to leave. i love the ones who are remaining. i love most my batchmates, and my brothers. this year was even more nakaka-attach. now, i have nothing to look forward to at 10pm. time to move on? nah. we have yet to snag the crown!
IN THESE BOYS... HOPE IS A MUSCLE
by Rebo Saguisag
In 2003, Pat Bautista asked me to formally coach the Ateneo Law School Varsity. Why not? After all, I have been with the team since 1999. Plus, Pat's batchmates were a talented bunch, and like me, a junkie, and we naturally gravitated to one another. But for three straight years, we were knocked off in the eliminations. In fairness, the tournament is not really a great measure of ability with its knock-out format. You lose, you go home. No opportunity to adjust as with a seven game series.
And yet, we never offered any excuse. It just seemed like when it came to crunch time, the Ateneo Blue Eagles-a "finesse" law school team of nice boys from even nicer backgrounds-somehow lacked the scrappy, hard-driving desire to go all the way. But now, led by the strong backcourt of seniors Jang Moreno and Jun Sañosa, with the addition of a legitimate slotman in Raymond Yap, and everyone playing beyond their personal best (especially TJ Rocamora and Paul Imperial), this is their year to prove themselves. Their season to test their passion for the sport and their loyalty to each other. Their time to discover who they really are.
We didn't get the ending we wanted. Di naman kami plastic. But it was quite a season, we swept and dominated the eliminations by an average winning margin of 30.5 points. We got into the semifinals for the first time in seven years! Now we were in the company of winners--San Sebastian (2004 champions), San Beda (2006 and this year's champions) and we even got the better of UP who were champions in 2005. This is a vast improvement where in year's past when we would be dismissed as push-overs. This time we are seeded.
But more importantly, I wanted to see how we would respond to our heart-breaking semi-final loss. Vince Lombardi said that "Real glory is being knocked to your knees and then coming back. That's real glory. That's the essence of it." And we did come back. In style.
Here is a look at the individuals who made it happen. (In alphabetical order)
Pao “twinless” Abarquez
After almost riding the bench in most pre-season games and playing garbage minutes in the elimination lop-sided wins, Paolo earned very important minutes in the semis and the battle for third. The reason? Hard-nosed defense. Paolo doesn't back down from anybody. Reminiscent of older twin brother Carlo who didn't want to come out in a game last year despite a bloodied face.
MJ “the rookie” Bayang
Faster than a speeding bullet and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound-that's MJ. Also, with a high basketball IQ and other qualities that could make him one of the future leaders of the team. Loves his Ipod and will drink, drink,. drink, drink…STRAIGHT UP!
Paul “m.i.a.” Cervantes
A talented scorer who unfortunately just had to play behind Jang Moreno. But given the opportunity, he can surely do the same, if not more.
Jonas "baby bratinello" Cruz
A deadly perimeter shooter from 15 feet in, runs the court well, can slash and with a patented spin move. The team's official outfitter. Doesn't drink but speaks like he is always high--on ganja.
Carlo "Beefcake" Escalada
Probably in the best shape he has ever been. But more importantly, was finally able to exploit his massive frame to annihilate opponents. Mentos-tough on the outside but soft inside--claims he will not play next year-because it will not be the same without his batchmates---aaaawwww-baduy!
Paul “coahc’s man” Imperial
Not specifically adept at anything but will give you a little of everything-with a passion that whips the blood. Including showing everyone that you can swipe a card when you order pizza. One of two breakthrough players of the year.
Ian “the sacrificial co-captain” Mondragon
Sacrifice? That's Co-captain Mondy. He insisted to be part of the team even as a reserve (he did deserve to be part of the core anyway). Also an unfortunate guy who had to play behind Raymond Yap. He did play quality minutes, grabbing rebounds, making blocks and blocking out opponents. By the semis, he had an added role-as assistant coach.
Paulo “the enforcer” Paulino
Very, very hardworking who will sacrifice his body just to get the ball. Crashes the boards with impunity.
Paolo “SioPao” Rodriguez
One of the best pure shooters there is with an even greater attitude. Did not mind his limited exposure because he knows his time will come. And it will.
Darryl “all-the-way” Santos
Mr. No fear and a tough one on one defender.
The starters:
Lean “kahit may sakit” Abarquez
Lean's best game this year was in a victory against arch-rival San Sebastian. We were only eight. Though a tune-up game, it was played in San Sebastian. The magnifico ocho gave it their all in front of the shocked hometown crowd. Everyone was tired and cramping. Lean had it worse, he was sick.
TJ “Roc” Rocamora
This year's biggest revelation.. Was about to be cut as his try-out showing was, well to be blunt, real sloppy. But from there, he worked his way to showing his steady hand all the way to the starting line-up.
Raymond “YapMing” Yap
The center we have always wanted but we had to give way to studies. He told me he didn't want to be the center of the offense and just went on doing his job rebounding and put-backs silently and effectively. He probably owns the play of the year-a dramatic putback as time expired against U.P. in the battle for third.
Jun "madaya sa suicides" Sañosa
Word has it that Jun and Jang made a deal to commit themselves in their final year. Truth be told, Jun probably attended more practices this year than the previous years combined. He wanted to start. And start he did. But he also finished, with a kind of stabilizing presence a true point guard
should have. Arguably, the team's strongest tomador.
Jang “the king” Moreno
Co-captain Jang would figure in some fateful plays that cost the team a trip to the Final Four in each of his first three years. But he offered no excuses. He has always been a leader. This year, he was given even more. The team would go as far as he would bring it. Live and die with Jang. Nobody argued. He deserved it. Not once was he absent. He was probably in his best shape.
And in his most defining moment, he delivered the final blow to the opponents-an uncontested lay-up after which he coasted to the bench and exchanged high fives-a gesture befitting the King who just capped a brilliant career.
THE GURLS
They say that behind every man is a woman and so it is with this team. Let me personally thank the following:
Trina Ilarde
Beefcake's sparring partner who would alternate as fan, table official and/or collector.
Kiddy Dy
Though not as omnipresent as before, I would think of Kiddy everyday when I open my starbucks planner which she donated.
Trina Garcia
There are only two people who could stop Jang from scoring. The coach who would bench him and the other would be her. I also did not have to worry about an enforcer in the team. I had one in Trina. She also helped as collector, shot chart statistician, timer, fan.
Pat Bautista
The manage who is also never absent despite having all the reasons to be--Illness, an overpacked schedule, studies. I knew di siya makakatiis, hehe. We also attended meetings and scouted games.
This year was very well organized, from the recruitment, to the venue, to the pick-up games to game schedules, to text blasts, to funding. All I had to worry about was coaching, and the players, playing. Pat is the unsung hero of this team, the woman behind the scenes.
Maraming salamat po.
Jackie "soon-to-be-mrs. saguisag" Crisologo
Jackie somehow took losses harder than me. But knowing her, it was just to absorb all the negative feelings I had. She has always been like that. I love you…woohoo!
9:39:00 AM 4 comments
