Silent operator to make life difficult for La Salle

He is Ateneo’s silent operator but one could feel Nonoy Baclao’s presence in defense.

While Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Chris Tiu pile up the points for the Eagles, the 6-4 Baclao does the tougher job – sacrificing his lean frame to bang bodies, pluck the rebounds, block shots and intimidate a lot of others.

Baclao actually led the Eagles in shot blocks with 2.5 norm a game, second only to Far Eastern U’s Aldrech Ramos with 2.6 blocks.

Playing his second season after moving out from West Negros College in Bacolod City, Baclao has taken some of the pressure off Al-Hussaini in terms of rebounding, being the Eagles’ second best board crasher with a norm of 7.7.

His personal high was 13 rebounds and he has twice recorded four shot blocks this year.

But Baclao isn’t only a defense-oriented player but can score too. In fact, he churned out a season-high 16 points in a 74-62 victory over National U last July 27.

“He’s important to the team because of his defense. If he scores, that’s a bonus,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black of his starting forward, who averages eight points in the season.

Baclao will surely be one of the marked men in the title series with La Salle expected to come up with ways to neutralize his intimidating presence in the shaded lane.

Still, focus and praises often fall on the vastly improved Al-Hussaini and Tiu, the team’s heart and soul.

But Baclao doesn’t mind.

“Coach (Black) told me my role is defense, that’s what I do,” said the soft-spoken Baclao, raring to prove his worth against the Archers. – Joey Villar