Ateneo Blue Eagles: UAAP Season 71 Lineup (2008) Part 2
2 July 2008
Kirk Long - still more known for his buzzer beating fall away to beat UST and the controversial sub-in for Laterre that was protested by DLSU than for his on court play. He has shown that he can be a solid swingman offensively and defensively, showing excellent poise even as a freshman. Will be counted on more to play the point this year although from all indications, his instincts for tempo control, dribbling, passing, and floor leadership all have a long way to go. Is too focused mainly on getting the ball past midcourt instead of trying to set up or getting his head up to find open teammates. Has mysteriously become more hesitant on offense, repeatedly passing up open shots and ruining his rhythm with unnecessary pump fakes. Has the tools and physical skills to be a major contributor this year but needs to have the confidence — wont be surprised if Black puts him back full time to his more natural swing position after a few games.
Eric Salamat - the team's most effective slasher and one on one player last year, Salamat is one of those expected to have an even bigger year this year. He has shown on many instances a fearlessness and ferociousness that typifies the Blue Eagle fighting heart. Very quick laterally, he can blow by defenders and finish strong or draw fouls consistently. Has shown exceptional hang time to confuse bigger shot blockers and is an excellent fastbreak finisher as well. Above average from beyond the 3 point arc although he has been shooting the 3 less and less. Would be very potent if he varies his drives with a mid range pull up since he has excellent separation moves anyway. Has very good anticipation instincts on defense, plays the passing lanes well and gets a lot of steals that way and on the ball as well. A competitor through and through, he will have to adjust his mindset knowing that Buenafe's presence gives them another slashing option.
Jobe Nkemakolam - Finally included in the team late in the preseason, Jobe will be the ONLY back to the basket threat for this year's team. With Ford Arao gone, the team will look to Jobe to perform his magic in the paint, using his wide build, good footwork and reliable turnaround jumpshot to draw defenses away from the perimeter guys. Is not much of a shot blocker but can carve out a lot of space on D to enable the other bigs to get good rebounding position. With a lot of rookies on the team, Jobe, with his experience, will be counted on in a big way as the season progresses.
Mike Baldos - another veteran big man, Baldos also has excellent footwork though he is a tad too lean to get adequate deep low post position. Has a steady jumper from 10-12 feet and is fairly reliable from the foul line as well. Definitely a gamer but strengthwise, can be outmuscled by some of the bigger frontliners of other teams. Will be a very reliable rotation player.
Bacon Austria - his passing and court sense definitely stands out among his basketball skills. A bit slow footed to be a pure swingman and a bit short to play the power forward slot, Bacon needs to find a niche so that he can contribute on a consistent basis. If his three point shot starts to fall regularly, expect him to get more playing time and for the others to look for him on plays more often. As it is, his passing skills alone may not be enough to overcome his speed deficit against the other teams' wingmen.
Nico Salva - loads of athleticism and is not shy on offense. needs more refinement and seasoning. hopefully can contribute by the time the 2nd round comes.
Oping Sumalinog - very good general floor game though not specifically exceptional in any one area. Can dribble, pass, shoot, defend and has good size for the guard positions. has been bothered by injuries but may be a surprise contributor come league time.
Tonino Gonzaga - the sparkplug and energizer off the bench. Gonzaga gives all out effort especially on D. Has a reliable three pointer. Was a power forward in high school but is too small to play the same position in college. Makes up for it with a lot of heart and hustle.
Justin Chua - soft touch for a big man, has decent low post skills. needs to have more experience playing against bigger, stronger, and faster opposing centers as most of the opponents he terrorized in high school were smaller than him. maybe a year or so away from significantly contributing.
Vince Burke - an extra big body for Black, Burke is very sound fundamentally but appears to be overmatched for UAAP play as of now. May be more effective with more seasoning and once he adjusts to the speed of the college game.
**Most of the preseason forecasts pick Ateneo to finish around 4th or 5th, with La Salle, UE and FEU still the solid favorites. From their performance in the Fil oil and Nike summer leagues, it seems that the team is quite set offensively. They have the right mix of perimeter shooters, slashers and one on one players, medium range threats and a post up player with the late addition of Jobe. The fact that Buenafe is still learning the system, how to play with his teammates and how to adjust to the UAAP brand of play only means that we will see more improvement as the season progresses. Last year, opponents clamped down on Tiu and most of the time the offense stalled. That will not happen this year with the myriad of offensive threats in the lineup. Defensively is where they need the most work. Baclao anchors the middle and strikes fear into anyone who drives the lane but that is essentially what their defense is now. If they can muster up a defensive mindset for the whole 40 minutes similar to their performance against the UE offense in the 4th quarter of the Nike Final, then the UAAP Final Four will be a given.
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