ALL eyes have been on Jared Bahay before Ateneo even began what wound up as a UAAP season to forget.
The 5-foot-9 blue-chip recruit wasn’t spared from criticism following his high-profile move to the University of the Philippines before a late detour that brought him back to the Eagles' nest.
With a couple ofl matches left to cap off his rookie year, the now-eliminated blue-and-white scored a 71-67 consolation victory over Final Four-seeking University of the East.
READ: Ateneo adds onto misery of Final Four-seeking UE
While nothing seemed to have fallen into place for Katipunan, Bahay braved the noise and adversity that went his way this early in his fast-rising career.
And such efforts didn’t go unnoticed.
Heir to the Blue Eagles’ throne
Former ‘King Eagle’ Kiefer Ravena knows a thing or two about being in the public eye and taking all the heat in his title-winning time with Ateneo.
His formula for survival and success? Shut the noise down.
“I do get the chance to talk to Jared, watch his games […] He just has to cancel out the noise and filter in the important things and keep it within the circle, as we always do in Ateneo,” Ravena told reporters.
The Japan B.League star furthered, “Kailangan niya lang i-embrace ‘yun kasi hindi naman lahat nabibigyan ng ganyang opportunity more than anything. I hope he takes it that way para talagang mas mabilis niyang matanggap ‘yung reality niya na ganyan talaga, ganyan na ‘yung magiging buhay niya sa Ateneo.”
J-House at home
Bahay couldn’t agree more with manong Kiefer’s comments and knows he’s just taken the first few steps of what will be a fabled career - if he’d refuse to be swayed any other way.
“So far, sobrang layo pa. Sabi nga ni kuya Kiefer, I’m capable and I agree on that na capable din ako dahil hindi pa ‘to ‘yung full potential ko,” Bahay told SPIN.ph.
“Just by blocking out the noise. That’s how I’m handling it, the criticisms. Focus on what’s important, focus on the inner circle, the brotherhood, and just try to get better every day and get ready for the next season.”
When Season 88 comes about this time next year, a new Bahay will rise.
“It’s a lot of ups and downs, pero not the one we wanted. Good rookie season, good start for my UAAP career, and I’m happy," he said.
He continued, “For next year, expect ng UAAP fans na mas more mature na ako and maging mas leader na ako sa court, on and off the court. Expect our team to bounce back."
And ending for emphasis, the future King Eagle put it, “Redemption.”
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