NOTHING galvanizes a team more than revisiting its past.
And for coach Tab Baldwin, he couldn’t be prouder with how Ateneo responded to the challenge on Saturday after the current team was paid a visit by a few former Blue Eagles last Thursday.
“We obviously haven’t played better from talent and tactics standpoint, but from an emotional standpoint, it was a tough win. I’m very proud of our former players that came and I’m very proud of this team today,” he said after Ateneo eked out a 60-51 triumph over Adamson for its breakthrough win in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
READ: Chris Koon return energizes Ateneo entry into UAAP Season 87 win column
The current Blue Eagles were in for a pleasant surprise when former players of the blue-and-white - namely Ange Kouame, Dave Ildefonso, Mike Nieto, Tyler Tio, BJ Andrade, Raffy Verano, Jacob Lao, RV Berjay, and Jason Credo - went back to their old stomping grounds at Moro Lorenzo Sports Center to meet them after they stumbled out of the gates.
“The players coming in the other day, for me, (it) was emotional. Seeing guys that I’ve been through so much with, I love them, I don’t have any qualms about saying that. They’re a very special group, very special players,” the decorated mentor said.
BEBOB forever
In Baldwin’s eyes, it was just the reboot that this current squad needed as they got an up close and personal look at the players who previously represented Ateneo - all while establishing and reinforcing a bond that will last a lifetime.
That is at the core of BEBOB, or the Blue Eagles Band Of Brothers.
And the past BEBOB sent a clear statement to those who have taken on the mantle.
“I think the important thing was that they didn’t feel like the culture that we have worked so hard to establish from [Seasons] 79 to 84, 85 era, they didn’t feel like that culture was alive,” Baldwin said.
“They wanted the current team to understand more about it from their perspective. These (current players) did say it was nice to have them there and feel support, but there was absolutely pressure from the former players. There were some very strong statements about how we conduct ourselves on the court, on the bench, in front of the camera, and I was really proud watching these young men stand up for something very special.”
The visit, for Baldwin, is just the latest proof of the 'Magis' spirit that continues to live inside each and every Atenean.
“The community is always great. The Ateneo community has a reputation that it’s the school we choose, win or lose. And I’ve been blessed being here in a winning era, so I haven’t seen the community when times don’t look so good and yet they’re still here, supporting the team,” he remarked.
“All the messages were there, all the social media posts, not all of them, there are some negative stuff and we probably deserve some of them, but the majority is positive.”
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