One can say that any number combinations that has something to do with the "number 3" became the constant lucky # for the Katipunan-based cagers. They won the rare "3-peat" in the 73rd season of the UAAP on the 30th of September 2010 against the no.1 seeded and title favorite FEU Tamaraws. Ateneo was the 5th school to achieve such feat in the history of UAAP.
As expected, their way to that momentous victory was not like often described as "walk in the park". They battled a team which composed of more experienced centers, pure shooters and well balanced players that defeated them twice in the eliminations. Being back to back champions was indeed a big achievement but making it 3 in a row was a big question. The Tamaraws domination over the Eagles in the eliminations sealed the speculations of many that it would be the end of Ateneo's supremacy in the collegiate league.
Having my trip down in UAAP's memory lane, the 2008 championship was special and sweet for it was against their arch rival, the De La Salle Green Archers. As a Blue Eagle fan myself, there's nothing that can make me happier but to see my favorite team defeating their lifelong nemesis and be Champions at their expense. Their line up was still intact that time headed by now Smart Gilas National Squad team captain Chris Tiu. The following year, I still saw the Blue Eagles as a strong title contender because of Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao and Jai Reyes. They didn't disappoint the fans as they powered the team in beating the Paul Lee-led and Lawrence Chiongson-mentored squad of UE Red Warriors in a thrilling game 3 of the Finals. The 2009 was highlighted by some sort of "Grand slam year" for they were able to captured the Championships in Unigames and the coveted and prestigious PCCL also versus FEU.
The recently concluded season of UAAP was a big test for multi-titled coach Norman Black and his boys. Now that there's no Chris, Rabeh, Nonoy and Jai to lean on, the 2 time defending champions needed to dig deep into their hearts for strength and trusted one another to fulfill the difficult task ahead. It can't be denied that the Blue Eagles are teeming with talents. They even considered as one of the powerhouse team in the collegiate ranks, but in order for them to shoot for a "back-to-back-to-back" winning streak, they've got to past the other 6 teams that would surely prevent them from making a 3rd Finals appearance.
The core of the Blue Eagles for the 73rd season was not as formidable and impressive compared to the 2 previous champion teams according to some critics and basketball analysts. The remaining players in the team were not as explosive like those who graduated but their biggest edge over the others? the CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE they've got for the past 2 years. Eric Salamat headed the present batch of Blue Eagles. He successfully ended his last and final year with a big bang! He completed the strong back court rotation of the team with Emann Monfort and Kirk Long around. Justin Chua, in my opinion, unquestionably filled the gap left by Rabeh and Nonoy in the shaded lane.He already established himself as a legitimate center for Ateneo alongside Golla and Escueta. Another revelation this season was the consistent showing of their 2 wingmen, Nicolas Salva and Ryan Buenafe. The former proved that he can score and defend effectively at the same time while the latter became the pillar of the team in terms of scoring and stealing during their games. The biggest evidence was Ryan's nerve-wracking 3 pointer that finally closed the door for the Tamaraws.
The Game 1 was really unexpected. I personally pictured out a tooth and nail war between them, for the 1st win was very crucial and important in every best of 3 series. It looked like the Recto-based squad showed up just for the sake of showing up. What transpired in Game 2 was far,far better than the first, that's what I thought of the FEU basketball. Just like any other game, someone was destined to win while the other was was destined to lose. I think, what spelled the difference in the outcome was the "HUNGER", for between the 2 teams, Ateneo was the underdog and FEU was expected for the glory. And yet, the "HUNGER to end the 5 year drought" was eclipsed by the "HUNGER to make a history for the school and for oneself". If the Tamaraws are hungry to reclaim the glory, the Eagles are much hungrier to include themselves on the list of the elite teams before them that captured a hard but possible "3-peat".
And just like what Nico Salva said in the post game interview in Game 2, this championship was the sweetest(yes,even sweeter vs. La Salle) for they were able to prove to those critics and doubters than they can still win a championship and capture a rare "3-peat" in their own way. I think, aside from the CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE that they have, the Blue Eagles showed a great sense of discipline, hardwork, perseverance, determination and trust that propelled them to the sweetest moment of their college basketball careers.
I am sure a lot of people (fans and non fans) who follows the UAAP games like me are pretty excited to know the new breed of Eagles that will soar to continue the BLUE domination in Season 74.
