Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles 2009-10

This is the line-up for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the Fil-Oil Pre-Season Tournament. I'd say this is pretty much the UAAP line-up barring an injury. They'll have size inside but oh, boy, outside shooting is going to be an adventure here.

Last year we got away without really bombarding foes from the outside because other teams keyed on Chris Tiu. Now they'll play Jai Reyes tighter. Unless someone turns out to be a fireman from the outside, other teams will clog the inside and double team Rabeh and Nonoy. But look to Nonoy to score more here.

Well, look to Eric and Ryan to take over. Time to shine, bro.

Does the addition of Juami Tiongson mean that the coaching staff has given up on Kirk Long at the one-spot? Not necessarily. But it won't hurt to have another very good but under-sized guard. Tiongson can hit the occasional trey but if he can hit it with consistency then it will open up the lane for the bigs.

Mike Baldos will be the first big guy off the bench. Gotta score more, Mike. Kaya mo yan, dude. The other bigs have to step up. If Nico, Vince, Frank, and Justin put in quality minutes hooo boy. Watch out.

As for De Chaves. Athletic, fast. Like my main man Zion Laterre at the two-spot?

It doesn't need to be said that max effort is required but the most important ingredient here is leadership. Who will supply that -- well, are the captains up to that?

I have not seen the team in a while and have only spoken to a few players but mostly about other stuff like the US NCAA's and stuff. My guess here is that the captains will be its graduating seniors Jai, Nonoy, and Rabeh.

Jai Reyes
Eric Salamat
Ryan Buenafe
Nonoy Baclao
Rabeh Al-Hussaini
Raymond Austria
Mike Baldos
Nico Salva
Kirk Long
Vince Burke
Justin Chua
Tonino Gonzaga
Chris Sumalinog
Juami Tiongson
Chris De Chaves
Frank Golla

Animo Ateneo!

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