A Chat with the Ateneo Blue Eagles' Chris De Chavez

I had a brief chat with sophomore shooting guard Chris DeChavez. Here is the transcript of that talk:

Rick: How did a Jersey kid like you find his way to Ateneo? Were you recruited? What high school in Jersey did you go to?

Chris: I played for St. Benedict's Prep in Newark, NJ. At that the time we were actually the #1 high school team in the country. I was recruited by Peter Aguilar, Japeth Aguilar's dad, at an annual Filipino basketball tournament in New York called NABA (National Athletic Basketball Association. The best Filipino-American teams from all over the East Coast and parts of Canada come out during Labor Day Weekend for a 2 day tournament) He then told Coach Norman about me and coach told me to come to the Philippines.

Rick: Does a Jersey kid like you root for the Yankees? Or is there another sports team you like?

Chris: Well, in terms of baseball, Yankees all the way!

Rick: Are you and your brother competitive when it comes to sports? If you go one-on-one, who's going to win?

Chris: Actually, growing up we were never that competitive because he was always so much bigger and better than I was so I never had a chance against him. Haha. If we went one on one now, I think it would be a close game (but I think I would pull off with the win). Haha! Most of the time, he always beats me though! Haha!

Rick: How cool is it playing for the Ateneo Blue Eagles?

Chris: It’s a great feeling to be part of the best collegiate basketball team in the Philippines. I feel honored to be playing for Coach Norman. It's also really cool to have such a huge fan base especially when we go to the provinces. I never expected to have 1000 plus friends on my facebook haha.

Rick: What was it like being on a championship team?

Chris: It took a lot of hard work and sacrifice during the regular and off seasons. Even though, I didn't get much playing time that year winning everything meant a lot to me because we worked really hard as a team. I was the happiest person when we won the championship.

Rick: Any basketball idols you have?

Chris: I really look up to my dad. He didn't play for any big leagues, he only played for the local Filipino-American leagues in New Jersey but when ever I see him play I am really inspired by his passion for the game. He really loves the sport.

Rick: Who are your best buds on the team and why?

Chris: I get along with everyone on the team but usually you would see me hanging out with Ryan Buenafe because we share similar interests. But on a daily basis I usually hang out wit Norman Penola from Team B because he's always at my house. Haha!