Ateneo Blue Eagles: UAAP Season 71 Lineup (2008)

19 June 2008

UAAP Season 71 is fast approaching, and after a victorious Nike Summer League campaign, the Ateneo Blue Eagles go in full of hope and confidence. Here's my own look at the players who will be leading the quest for this year's crown:

Chris Tiu - as a 5th year senior, and with so much experience in the limelight on and off the court, he will be counted on to provide guidance to his younger teammates. Though never known as a vocal leader, the way he plays the game should serve as an example of how far one can go without needing exceptional natural physical gifts. His game has matured over the years that he is no longer considered as a one dimensional outside shooter. Offensively, he has developed a variety of jump stop, hesitation and pump fake moves to complement his bread and butter catch and shoot game. Through all the years playing within Norman Black's system, he has mastered the fine art of using screen after screen, and executing the tight cuts and curls to set himself free for ultra accurate jumpers. His turnover numbers could stand some improvement although he makes up for it with above average court vision and passing instincts, especially on outlet passes on the break (Ford Arao was the beneficiary last year every single game). Plays defense with guile and smarts to offset lack of speed and quickness, and his floor burn charge-taking gets the team extra possessions. There have been a lot of critics as to his ability to lead the Eagles to a crown, even from blue diehards, but he has already shown that he is one of the best clutch players in Ateneo history, and his resume of game winning shots continues to expand.

Nonoy Baclao - The Blue Eagle defense is anchored by Baclao. His string of 20 blocks in 3 games last year was nothing short of amazing and the only way his Bill Russell impact on defense can be minimized is if he gets into foul trouble. Despite his lean frame, he gets exceptional position on defense with quick lateral movement and is an above average rebounder. Offensively, has good range and accuracy on his jumper and if utilized more, can hit the 12-15 footer consistently on pick and rolls with the shooters. Excellent offensive rebounder, but is solely a face up big man with no low post, back to the basket game yet. Developing a jump hook or a short turnaround jumper would instantly make him the league's best big man. Upside is tremendous even though he has shown remarkable improvement with each passing game. Great attitude, no frills and no flash, just consistent impact performance.

Rabeh Al-Husseini - many Blue faithful are hoping that Al Husseini will experience the same kind of transformation that Ford Arao showed in his last season. The much maligned center has been spectacular in the preseason and hopes to carry that confidence into the UAAP wars. His offensive game is finesse — smooth release and soft touch from 15 feet and in and when he plays inspired, becomes an excellent offensive rebounder and finisher. Too often though, he gets touches deep in the paint and does not finish strong. Like Baclao, should thrive on pick and rolls with the shooters. Very weak defensively, does not move his feet as quickly as he should and is a so-so shot blocker. For his height, not much of a presence inside and can get riled easily. Must do a better job of not letting opponents' psy war tactics get into his head as he plays well when he's focused.

Ryan Buenafe - this year's prized rookie catch has shown an excellent all around offensive game. Adding another dimension to the Eagles as a bigger slasher and finisher to complement Eric Salamat, Buenafe has shown poise and confidence rarely seen in freshmen. He instantly becomes another go to guy with his ability to get to the rim and earn free throws. Can become deadlier once he learns the nuances of the UAAP game and becomes more familiar with his teammates strengths; his dribble drive and kickout to an open Jai Reyes or Chris Tiu once the defense collapses on him should become a staple in the Eagles' offense. Can hit the three once in a while but will become more effective once he develops a mid range pull up jumper. Tends to coast during certain game periods and its up to the senior leaders to keep him focused. Gets beat a lot defensively and needs to work on not reaching around from behind all the time when he gets beat. His development is crucial to the Eagles' chances as the multiple dimensions he offers with his skills on offense will make them harder to defend especially in crunch time.

Jai Reyes - shooting guard in a point guard's body, though he has gotten better and better in setting up plays and controlling the tempo as the years have gone by. Has excellent quickness and uses this for separation to launch a deadly pull up jumper from the foul line or a teardrop layup from 5 feet. Highly accurate from 3 point distance. Got off to a great start last year but tailed off precipitously in the end, probably due to personal issues. Has size disadvantage against most point guards and this limits his playing time. Will be key to the Eagles' success especially if there are more performances similar to last years' first round game against La Salle.

Yuri Escueta - one of the team's few pure point guards, Escueta has remarkably been very resilient, always ready to play even with extremely erratic playing time the past few seasons. Has toned down his wild and woolly erratic ways and has become adept at controlling tempo. Adequate shooter from mid range and long range and fearless in attacking the rim especially on the break. Hard worker on defense but tends to get overpowered by stronger guards. Extremely unselfish, has shown he can work and thrive within the team concept.

Part 2 here

Blue Eagles Highlights here (choose the high quality version)