FOR most Ateneo guys, main work is making the most of the four quarters on the court and producing quality minutes for the team. But for captain Sean Quitevis, the intangible duty is just as heavy.
The senior guard doubles as the Blue Eagles' morale booster any time they need it.
That's exactly what he did for anxious rookie Jared Bahay, who had the best performance of his season recording 22 points, four dimes, and two boards on Saturday, against De La Salle.
READ: In Ateneo's 'gutsiest win,' Sean Quitevis' character shines
Quitevis and Bahay had a quick heart-to-heart talk before they faced the defending champions.
"We have had big expectations on ourselves in today's game, sometimes it can be daunting to young guys like Jared. So I just told him that the season's far from over, and we still have a few games left, still fighting for the final four spot. I told him I have his back," Quitevis shared with SPIN.ph.
Then Bahay delivered. Ateneo, though, went down to 3-7.
Quitevis continued: "He played a helluva game today, but it's on our team to pick up on the defensive end. Jared was there for me when I was down, so I'm there for him."
Watching Ateneo regress compared to its stronger showing in the past years, Quitevis knew what he signed up for, taking not just the leadership role, but also the 'big brother' persona.
"We're a young team now, and growing pains is expected of us, I just continue to try to instill the pillars of our culture," he said. "I was, too, a young player who didn't get minutes, and I had our captains, BJ [Andrade], Mamu [Gian Mamuyac] continue to talk to me during those times."
He continued: "This season can be the most difficult, but we want to represent the school well. I want them to keep fostering, to keep moving forward, and keep picking each other up."
Playing in his final year, Quitevis is eager to make the most out of this situation as he hopes to have impact to his younger peers beyond his players.
"It is hard, but it's a privilege for me to experience these struggles. It's something I worked my whole life for, I'd never see it as a burden, but more of a blessing for me to rise," he said.
"These guys are the future of the team, and I want them to continue to foster. The school has given me so much, I want to pay it forward."
Needless to say, he's doing so.
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