Ateneo Reloaded

Last week, this column discussed the improvements in the Ateneo Basketball Program. Though commendable, it has its share of loopholes. And once these are overlooked, the team and reputation of the school suffer.

For instance, a couple of years ago, the Blue Eagle management thought they had Player C in their line-up. And why wouldn’t they? They were already tutoring him in high school to prepare him for Ateneo college life. Yet for some reason, he disappeared. He refused to take the calls of Ateneo management or coaching staff. And the next thing they knew, Player C was already training with another university.

Everyone involved in recruitment for college ball knows that a deal with a player is not sealed until he is enrolled. What went wrong? Father Tito Caluag, Chaplain and coordinator of the Ateneo recruitment program, knew they did their best hence was quick to raise the white flag and let the issue go. But not too fast! Coaching staff said they needed a center in their rotation. They needed Player C badly. So after making sure that he was not yet enrolled in the said university, they tried to get him again.

Unfortunately, it was found out that Player C was dealing with two groups from the Ateneo side – the legit recruitment arm, and the opposite. "An alumnus acted without the authority of the school and made ridiculous offers," disclosed Fr. Caluag. Yes, the young player was promised a car, among other things. And news of this percolated the UAAP circuit.

Learning from the unfortunate incident, Fr. Caluag strictly reminds everyone that only team manager Monchito Mossessgeld, head coach Joel Banal, and assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga have the license to talk to players and recruit. Ateneo management recognizes the fact that all interested alumni will try to engage players. Like a young man trying to win the affection of his beloved, they will promise the heaven, moon and stars. But in the end, "It’s the school that has to make the commitment to boy and his parents," underscores Fr. Caluag. This is also the reason why he discourages his staff to recruit without being sure if they can give young players a future in the Blue Eagles camp.

Last May 17, Fr. Caluag and the coaching staff met with the parents and guardians of promising rookies this year to talk about their sons in terms of evaluation of basketball performance, and the academics as well. He also warned the parents not to succumb to tempting offers being dangled at them. He advised them not to destroy the values of their sons. In the same way, the school promised not to compromise certain values and standards.

Discouraging materialism, the Blue Eagles offer sheet consists basically of: 1) scholarship, 2) food allowance, and 3) dormitory. This notwithstanding, Ateneo recognizes the reality in life that not all are as fortunate as the others. Some families need support and rely only on the playing career of their sons. In cases like this, Ateneo extends its support to the families, but within certain parameters. The assistance to the family is not tied up with what they give their players. Additional support may come in the form of scholarship for the player’s siblings. Ateneo also assures parents that in case their son, because of an injury or just simply decides on his own to stop playing basketball, the scholarship stays. "The fact that your son wants to study is enough for us to support him," added Fr. Caluag.

One example of a player who really wants to study is rookie Chris Tiu. More than the basketball program, it was the curriculum that convinced this consistent honor student from Xavier that Ateneo was the better choice. He asked for copies of the sets of courses from the two schools he was eyeing for college and sat down with his folks to study the lists. And though they were helping him map out his future, father Gerry Tiu never imposed. He firmly stated in interviews with the press that he was going to let his son choose on his own.

One reporter asked Mr. Tiu where his son was going to play. And the principled Tiu replied – "No. Where’s my son going to study?" In the end, son chose Ateneo because he believes its courses are more relevant to what he wants to achieve later on in life. After basketball, that is.

Claiford Arao, pride of San Beda Red Cubs, didn’t have his father by his side when he was scouting for a university. Instead he had Secretary Nani Braganza who took him in and acted as his guardian soon after he left his parents in Pangasinan to pursue his dreams here in Manila.

Needing a big man to fill the void Enrico Villanueva left, Ateneo set out for this 6’4 center. But guess who made the difference in the recruitment? "Had it not been for Manny Pangilinan, Arao would not be with us. He was the main reason for Arao being with us," admitted Fr. Caluag. San Beda red blood probably worked there as Pangilinan himself is a product of San Beda.

These are only two of the draftees the Blue Eagle camp are eyeing to reinforce their team for the coming 66th UAAP season. Though they haven’t finalized their list of the final 16, they are down to 20. This includes former Ateneo Blue Eaglets star Johann Uichico who also has basketball running in his veins, being the son of esteemed San Miguel coach in the PBA, Jong Uichico.

Getting Arao, Tiu, and Uichico, three of the top five rookies in collegiate hoopdom today, makes Ateneo the biggest winner in the recruitment game. And Fr. Caluag attributes this to the fact that since revamping their basketball program four years ago, they have made the steady climb to the top. "Success, after all, is the best advertisement," he added.

With barely two months to go before the season kicks off, the new Eagles on the block, together with veterans, Nike athletes LA Tenorio, Magnum Membrere, Larry Fonacier and Rich Alvarez are already anticipating a good season. They believe that if they work hard and develop a good character, they will have a very good chance to make it to the championship again. And if they allow God’s spirit to work with them and through them, they may be able to defend their hard- earned title last year.