Carnage and Chemistry
Ateneo 72 vs. UP 51
Ateneo 72 vs. UP 51
May 5, 2008
The Arena, San Juan
Match #7
Fil-Oil Pre-Season Tournament
A Chris Tiu three. Another two more and the rout was on.
Blink. You eyes aren't deceiving you. As early as the first quarter, the Ateneo Blue Eagles pretty much put the game on ice with a 20-plus point lead over the UP Maroons. But that hardly tells the story.
The team from State U might have a lot of old hands from their last destitute campaign but make no mistake they're reinvigorated for the new one to come. Thank God it's the pre-season and newly installed coach Aboy Castro would rather have his wards commit their mistakes now rather than during the UAAP season. "You learn more from defeat," he pronounces with an air of confidence that he can turn the Maroons' misfortune around.
Over at the opposite side of the court, Norman Black surveyed the carnage. Yes, his team was up by a huge margin, but so were the turnovers -- the Blue Eagles' bane -- which were piling up.
"We're struggling," says the fourth year mentor. He offers no excuses and would have none of it setbacks aside. After returning from a brief trip to the United States before the end of last school year, he couldn't wait to get back to work. To the casual fan, he's just there to coach. You know, run a few practices, show up for the games, and give the good old pep talk before leading the boys to the court.
Blessed you are now to know that coaching even in the collegiate ranks is a full time profession that you'd think they were operating a 7-11. They eat, sleep, dream, and breathe basketball. All you have to do to confirm that is to look at the frown forming on his face.
Make no mistake, Norman gets up for his job. He loves his team and he loves the school. He might not have matriculated here but he's from St. Joe's in Philadelphia, PA. It's a Jesuit school so he's practically family. And coach, along with his staff and players, have taken their lumps over the past few years so there's their purple, er, blue hearts.
"We've shown stretches of brilliance and there are times when... well, we struggle," he admits as well-wishers congratulate him on the Blue Eagles 5-2 record in the Fil Oil Pre-Season Tournament. "We never seem to have a full line-up of players. Nico Salva went down with chicken pox. Ryan Buenafe joined his former team for a few days in Batangas. We have to blend in four rookies -- five if you count sophomore Tonino Gonzaga -- to the system."
It might be one of the most heralded rookie batches in years; a Fab Five born out of their high school accomplishments and chatroom hype. But make no mistake, Norman and the staff feel good about their upside. It's a learning season for them before they begin to make an impact. Unfortunately, they have to grow up in a hurry.
The team from State U might have a lot of old hands from their last destitute campaign but make no mistake they're reinvigorated for the new one to come. Thank God it's the pre-season and newly installed coach Aboy Castro would rather have his wards commit their mistakes now rather than during the UAAP season. "You learn more from defeat," he pronounces with an air of confidence that he can turn the Maroons' misfortune around.
Over at the opposite side of the court, Norman Black surveyed the carnage. Yes, his team was up by a huge margin, but so were the turnovers -- the Blue Eagles' bane -- which were piling up.
"We're struggling," says the fourth year mentor. He offers no excuses and would have none of it setbacks aside. After returning from a brief trip to the United States before the end of last school year, he couldn't wait to get back to work. To the casual fan, he's just there to coach. You know, run a few practices, show up for the games, and give the good old pep talk before leading the boys to the court.
Blessed you are now to know that coaching even in the collegiate ranks is a full time profession that you'd think they were operating a 7-11. They eat, sleep, dream, and breathe basketball. All you have to do to confirm that is to look at the frown forming on his face.
Make no mistake, Norman gets up for his job. He loves his team and he loves the school. He might not have matriculated here but he's from St. Joe's in Philadelphia, PA. It's a Jesuit school so he's practically family. And coach, along with his staff and players, have taken their lumps over the past few years so there's their purple, er, blue hearts.
"We've shown stretches of brilliance and there are times when... well, we struggle," he admits as well-wishers congratulate him on the Blue Eagles 5-2 record in the Fil Oil Pre-Season Tournament. "We never seem to have a full line-up of players. Nico Salva went down with chicken pox. Ryan Buenafe joined his former team for a few days in Batangas. We have to blend in four rookies -- five if you count sophomore Tonino Gonzaga -- to the system."
It might be one of the most heralded rookie batches in years; a Fab Five born out of their high school accomplishments and chatroom hype. But make no mistake, Norman and the staff feel good about their upside. It's a learning season for them before they begin to make an impact. Unfortunately, they have to grow up in a hurry.
Because of their high school pedigree, people expect them to contribute right away, but not everyone can be an LA Tenorio. You can see Ryan Buenafe pump-faking his taller guards. He has played well but what was a three-point play in high school, well, he has to earn his two points from the stripe. Like the coaching staff says, you have to like their upside. They get blocked or occasionally hoist an airball, but Justin Chua and Nico Salva have shown a willingness to mix it up inside. You learn more from hardship and defeat.In the third quarter, the Blue Eagles whip the ball around and look for the open man. Buenafe lets his game instincts take over as he whips a pass back to Tiu who kicks it out to an open Jai Reyes in the right corner pocket. Bang. There's a kaboom. And the lead is up to 25.
Eric Salamat has his moments where he's like a wide receiver taking a forward pass before 
twisting in for a lay-up. It's a shame that the bucket is worth only two points for maybe he should get a bonus for the degree of artistry and difficulty. And there's Nonoy Baclao who moves so well without the ball that when Tiu finds him for a deuce time and again, we just might be dredging up that Stockton-to-Malone phraseology.
The defense is still there, but not yet in its menacing form the way they altered shots and mastered the comeback in years past. Obviously it's all about chemistry and there's the rub.
twisting in for a lay-up. It's a shame that the bucket is worth only two points for maybe he should get a bonus for the degree of artistry and difficulty. And there's Nonoy Baclao who moves so well without the ball that when Tiu finds him for a deuce time and again, we just might be dredging up that Stockton-to-Malone phraseology.The defense is still there, but not yet in its menacing form the way they altered shots and mastered the comeback in years past. Obviously it's all about chemistry and there's the rub.
The Maroons embark on a mini-run in the game's dying minutes anchored on offensive rebounding by Jay Agbayani and the spirited defense by former Ateneo Team B player Arvi Braganza. They manage to cut the lead down to 21, but that's all she wrote. There's much to be learned on this night by both camps. But luckily there was that huge lead they built or else UP would have gotten back into the game.
Norman makes time for a few questions by the press. A few more come over to offer their congratulations. He makes sure to look at them in the eye and say, "thank you" while never missing a beat with the reporters.
"We're struggling. We've had good and bad stretches, but now that we have the team whole and together for the next weeks, we'll find our rhythm. Of course that comes with time."
---------
Personal observations and notes:
At the onset of the pre-season, I told a few friends that last year, the team got by despite the loss of JC Intal, Doug Kramer, and Macky Escalona. I knew that Nonoy would contribute with the other points coming from just about everybody. Having Ford Arao breakout like no one expected was a huge bonus. This year, I wondered if anyone could replace Zion Laterre, Ford, and Ken Barracoso. Stop that snickering.
Yes, Ken might have had an inconsistent and maybe disappointing UAAP campaign but you could see he was rounding about into form. I am really sure had he decided to play this year, he'd have a breakout year as well.
Some wonder why is it only during a player's senior and super senior years do they start to play really great. Unfortunately, hoops isn't the only thing the team has to care for. Studies -- which is why they're here in the first place -- takes up a huge chunk of their time and is even more demanding. They'll live to fight another day if they foul out but once you get into the college, the QPI and Law of Survival kick in.
But the biggest loss isn't solely the physical presence of the veterans, but their knowledge of the system. They run to their spots and could do so with their eyes closed. I've seen three games this summer and I've see an overload on the strong side with some players running into each other at times. But you could see the ball swinging around which is good.
However, I like their attitude towards defense. They let their D start off a lot of their offense.
And I agree with the coach. They are struggling (but some coaches would gladly exchange those five wins and the struggling tag for their own). You have to remember, these are the Blue Eagles with a booster base of a thousand and one coaches and all who are infinitely demanding. I can't even believe some idiots took my observations during the game against San Beda (when I wondered if Jobe should be on this line-up) as trying to foist my thoughts on the team. I suggest they re-read it. They can read, right? Put your balls where your mouth is, fellas.
I think that the team needs to find that chemistry in a few weeks. The effort is there for sure and they'll get it down pat. Unfortunately, the team isn't particularly good in one area. The shooting is spotty, the post play almost non-existent, and we have a problem at the point guard position. Against teams like UE and DLSU who love to press, we might have some problems. I don't think it's in the team's best interest for Chris to bring up the ball because opponents will bump and grind him to get him out of his rhythm.
So what do we need to address:
- Point guard position. Someone to play the point real solid. hard to get a tweener to do this.
- Shooting. Someone tell Kirk and Yuri to shoot when they're open! We need to open the floor for everyone.
- Rebounding. Unless Rabeh shows that Champions League form, Mike, Nonoy, Justin, Ryan, and everyone else have to gang rebound. Heck, Chris is a very good rebounder and he can help some.
Part of what Norman is trying to do is determine the rotation. So chill out, Blue fans. Like coach Aboy said, now is the time to make mistakes. In case you didn't notice... the league is called the pre-season tournament.
Alumnus Jack Huang once said that no business tycoon built a winner in a day or a year. It takes awhile. And they encounter setbacks time and again. Some strike lucky right away but that doesn't happen all the time.
Ditto for a champion team. So are we due for one? Yes we are. Is it this year or next, inquiring minds want to know.
I'll say this, we'll be slugging it out for sure. DLSU, FEU, UST, and UE will be faves to make the Final Four. And us, despite the rookie bumper crop, folks will be seeding us fifth once more. Same as last year. They could seed us last for all I care.
One thing's for sure, the Blue Eagles will be ready and we'll be in the thick of things. They'll have to make that early adjustment though.
One Big Fight!
Norman makes time for a few questions by the press. A few more come over to offer their congratulations. He makes sure to look at them in the eye and say, "thank you" while never missing a beat with the reporters.
"We're struggling. We've had good and bad stretches, but now that we have the team whole and together for the next weeks, we'll find our rhythm. Of course that comes with time."
---------
Personal observations and notes:
At the onset of the pre-season, I told a few friends that last year, the team got by despite the loss of JC Intal, Doug Kramer, and Macky Escalona. I knew that Nonoy would contribute with the other points coming from just about everybody. Having Ford Arao breakout like no one expected was a huge bonus. This year, I wondered if anyone could replace Zion Laterre, Ford, and Ken Barracoso. Stop that snickering.
Yes, Ken might have had an inconsistent and maybe disappointing UAAP campaign but you could see he was rounding about into form. I am really sure had he decided to play this year, he'd have a breakout year as well.
Some wonder why is it only during a player's senior and super senior years do they start to play really great. Unfortunately, hoops isn't the only thing the team has to care for. Studies -- which is why they're here in the first place -- takes up a huge chunk of their time and is even more demanding. They'll live to fight another day if they foul out but once you get into the college, the QPI and Law of Survival kick in.
But the biggest loss isn't solely the physical presence of the veterans, but their knowledge of the system. They run to their spots and could do so with their eyes closed. I've seen three games this summer and I've see an overload on the strong side with some players running into each other at times. But you could see the ball swinging around which is good.
However, I like their attitude towards defense. They let their D start off a lot of their offense.
And I agree with the coach. They are struggling (but some coaches would gladly exchange those five wins and the struggling tag for their own). You have to remember, these are the Blue Eagles with a booster base of a thousand and one coaches and all who are infinitely demanding. I can't even believe some idiots took my observations during the game against San Beda (when I wondered if Jobe should be on this line-up) as trying to foist my thoughts on the team. I suggest they re-read it. They can read, right? Put your balls where your mouth is, fellas.
I think that the team needs to find that chemistry in a few weeks. The effort is there for sure and they'll get it down pat. Unfortunately, the team isn't particularly good in one area. The shooting is spotty, the post play almost non-existent, and we have a problem at the point guard position. Against teams like UE and DLSU who love to press, we might have some problems. I don't think it's in the team's best interest for Chris to bring up the ball because opponents will bump and grind him to get him out of his rhythm.
So what do we need to address:
- Point guard position. Someone to play the point real solid. hard to get a tweener to do this.
- Shooting. Someone tell Kirk and Yuri to shoot when they're open! We need to open the floor for everyone.
- Rebounding. Unless Rabeh shows that Champions League form, Mike, Nonoy, Justin, Ryan, and everyone else have to gang rebound. Heck, Chris is a very good rebounder and he can help some.
Part of what Norman is trying to do is determine the rotation. So chill out, Blue fans. Like coach Aboy said, now is the time to make mistakes. In case you didn't notice... the league is called the pre-season tournament.
Alumnus Jack Huang once said that no business tycoon built a winner in a day or a year. It takes awhile. And they encounter setbacks time and again. Some strike lucky right away but that doesn't happen all the time.
Ditto for a champion team. So are we due for one? Yes we are. Is it this year or next, inquiring minds want to know.
I'll say this, we'll be slugging it out for sure. DLSU, FEU, UST, and UE will be faves to make the Final Four. And us, despite the rookie bumper crop, folks will be seeding us fifth once more. Same as last year. They could seed us last for all I care.
One thing's for sure, the Blue Eagles will be ready and we'll be in the thick of things. They'll have to make that early adjustment though.
One Big Fight!
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