Will Nonoy Neutralize Elmer?
This was the same scenario last year, the Ateneo Blue Eagles were favored to annex their fourth crown against the second seeded De La Salle Green Archers, this time its the University of the East Warriors turn to frustrate the Eagles. The first time the Blue Eagles won the UAAP Seniors Basketball title was against the UE Red Warriors back in 1987. That year the Blue Eagles were also 13-1 in the eliminations and were the favorites to beat the Jerry Codinera led Warriors. That game turned out to be one of the most remarkable comebacks in Ateneo history as the Blue Eagles clawed back from 20 points down 63-83 in the last 10 minutes to win 94-92 and win their first UAAP title. The following year the Blue Eagles beat the De La Salle Green Archers for their 2nd title.
Hope Jai has recovered from Ondoy
History is on the side of the Blue Eagles, they have only beaten two teams in the finals and that is the Green Archers and the Red Warriors, look for them to frustrate the Recto based Warriors this year. The point guard of those two back to back teams is the uncle of point guard of this year's Blue Eagles. Jun Reyes was the one who orchestrated the balanced Ateneo attack that had Jayvee Gayoso and Nonoy Chuatico in the wings, Danny Francisco and Eric Reyes up front and a slew of bench players who could have played for another team - Sep Canlas, Alex Araneta, Mel Basa, Haj Jeongco, Olsen Racela and Jet Nieto.
Kirk is tasked to shut down Paul Lee
As one friend would say it, the championship is ours to lose since the only team that can beat the BLue Eagles is themselves. Overconfidence has proven to be the Achilles heel of the Blue Eagles as evidenced in their loss to UP. But since then they have racked up 11 consecutive wins including the nerve wracking come from behind win against the FEU Tamaraws. What are the keys to an Ateneo victory? I have some here - first is for the Blue Eagles to start strong, in their games against DLSU, NU, UP and UST, when they start strong everything else falls into place. They seem invincible and their defense is on a high. If they dont, then the men in Blue will patiently rely on their defense and get back on track. The second important ingredient is for Rabah Al-Husaini to be focused. Rabah is the unmovable force in the middle and not even Pari Llagas nor Elmer Espiritu combined can stop him. Rabah averaged 28 points against the Warriors and if that will be the case in the finals then its a foregone conclusion. Lastly, Norman Black. His carefully mapped game plan and defensive strategies frustrate opponents time and again. His players trust him that he has an answer to everything thrown at him. That in itself breeds confidence among his players.
Will Val Acuña's three pointers fall?
The Red Warriors need a lot of work to overcome the big blue machine. First, they need to limit their turnovers and pressure the Blue Eagles all the way. The big four should also come out with big games - Pari Llagas, Elmer Espiritu, Val Acuña and the heart and soul of the team Paul Lee. If they can all churn out big games then the Eagles are in trouble. Lastly, the Warriors need production from the bench. Rudy Lingganay, Paul Zamar, Raffy Reyes, Toto Bandaying and Lucas Tagarda should come out smoking so that they can match the second unit of the Blue Eagles.
Rabah should let his game do the talking
The pressure is definitely with the Blue Eagles, but they have been there and they have learned that they should never give their opponents the confidence to exploit their weakness. The Blue Eagles are not invincible and can be beaten, but they are also ready for what is about to happen. I just pray that the Blue Eagles come out on top of this series. Same with the Blue Eaglets who are now the underdogs against the hulking Dela Salle Zobel Junior Archers.
Mr. Razzle - Dazzle Kiefer Ravena
For one, the Blue Eaglets have the razzle dazzle Keifer Ravena who is the one man wrecking crew of the Eaglets. The Junior Archers are led by Gwynne Capacio, Arnold Van Opstal, Aiki Herrera, Nico Elorde and Luigi dela Paz. The Blue Eagles can also churn up big games from Ael Banal, Chuckie Dumrique, Paolo Romero, Paolo Pe, Al Bugarin and Von Pessumal. The Blue Eaglets will definitely need a team game to frustrate the Junior Archers and avenge their 2007 loss to them. I hope that at the end of the UAAP Wars the Ateneo will be back to back Grandslam champions - Grade School (SBP) , High School (UAAP Jrs.) and College (UAAP Srs.)! GO ATENEO ONE BIG FIGHT!
Look for the underdogs to exact revenge
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