Blue Eagles beat NLEX Road Warriors

Former Red Cubs look at the basket

For the first time this school year, the final roster of the 2011 Ateneo Blue Eagles was introduced to the Ateneo community in a tune up game against the PBA D-League Champions the NLEX Road Warriors. The Blue Eagles won against the Road Warriors 62-58. The Warriors were without their sparkplugs Calvin Abueva, Ronald Pascual and Ogie Menor but that barely mattered as the Blue Eagles controlled the game from the start, had some problems in the fourth and regained their composure in the end.

Nico Salva floater

The Blue Eagles will be led by three guards who will be playing their last year of eligibility namely Bacon Austria, Emman Monfort and Kirk Long. Ably supporting the trio are the big boys who are on their fourth year on the team namely bullstrong forward Nico Salva, sweet shooting center Justin Chua and former youth campaigner Frank Golla. Two exciting veterans who I believe will make major contributions is fourth year forward Tonino Gonzaga and the comebacking Oping Sumalinog. Improving third year guard Juami Tiongson will be in the thick of the fight as are second year centers JP Erram and Jeric Estrada.

Kiefer on the fastbreak

The big story about the Blue Eagles are the new players they have acquired namely the best freshman in one of the best crop of big named High school graduates – Kiefer Ravena. The other big name who is joining the Phenom is RP SMART GILAS team center Greg Slaughter who has finished his residency requirements together with former Dela salle Zobel forward Gwynne Capacio. The last two roster spots were given to two other rookies who will hopefully make a name for themselves specially with Kiefer’s sparring partner in the juniors division Von Pessumal and former JRU gunner Bon Jovi Cipriano.

Greg Slaughter towers against everyone

Eric Salamat and Jumbo Escueta were the only two players who finished their eligibility requirements from last year’s team. On the other hand, Last year’s Finals Hero Ryan Buenafe together with Art dela Cruz, Chris de Chavez and Carlo Balmaceda are not returning this season for various reasons. Ryan's abscence will certainly hurt but the Blue Eagles have other weapons that they can utilize to be able to come out on top.

Three's a crowd

The Ateneo de Manila is the host for Season 74 and the Blue Eagles open their campaign against the Adamson Falcons and a week after that the Blue Eagles will face their archrivals – the De La Salle Green Archers with whom they have not yet beaten this year. The season looks very promising for the Blue Eagles and we hope to be there once again in the games and eventually partake of the ANNUAL BONFIRE. See you in the games.

Captain Kirk fires away

over Eric Salamat