Season 74 UAAP Men’s Srs Champions, again.

Ateneo vs FEU

Game 2, FINALS

82-69 (DOMINATING WIN)

Four straight UAAP crowns and on the verge of stamping its name in history, Ateneo was simply in a class of its own this year. No one even came close.

Winning never gets old.

For the Haters

Vindication.

It took 17 games to prove that Ateneo deserves to be on top. All the doubters, naysayers and fools who have, all season long, accused the University of cheating and rigging games can just go suck balls. You guys don’t know shit about basketball.  Go develop your own basketball programs before you even dare challenge the most dominant collegiate team in the country right now. 

For the next 9-10 months, Ateneo de Manila will be reining Champions and just like the past 3 seasons, you can just weep in your rooms and wish you were invited to the celebrations.

For the Fans

Guys, once again we have proven that the Ateneo crowd can have as much impact on the season as it can on one single game. Looking back, that game against FEU in the 2^nd round, being down by 16, the heart of both the team and the crowd was tested and both came through. That game was testament to why NFP has always lobbied for the real fans to show up each game. We may not be playing on the court, but we’ve been dominating our own cheering match on the stands. It is when real fans are full force that we are able to rebut even the wildest of Waves. Next season should be interesting as more and more fans are getting into the role of pumping-up the crowd.

Props to the guys behind the “Ateneo Make Some Noise” sign during the FEU match who kept cheering even when everyone else had stopped. We’d like to also send props to the high school boys from yesterday’s game who were simply explosive. Please pass the ACET and bring your rowdiness in college. We need more badboys who won’t let up in cheering.

To everyone else, let’s bring it next season.  We be crazzzzzy.

For the Graduating Players

I will probably miss Emman the most. No offense to the other point guards, but Emman is undoubtedly the most humble point guard Ateneo has had since Paul Tanchi. His talent is one thing but his heart is what endears him to many

Emman’s play is a product of how his whole experience in the team. Like in last night’s final speech Emman says in his Tagalog-Englsih speak, “ To all my coaches, here is your end product” gesturing to his whole body, to the delight and laughter of many.  But it was a clear indicator of how he gives glory back to those who have given him trust. He could have easily said that he had natural talent and his hard work has brought him where he is right now. Instead, he acknowledges the people who have helped him be the “man” that he is; teammates, coaches, family and friends.

He may not be the biggest, most athletic, highest scoring, most charismatic guard in town, but he sure knows how to play and play to win he does.  League leading in steals, assists and free throw percentage. (More Emman on the seniors’ tribute by NFP)

Captain Kirk said in his final speech last night, “…I never thought this day would come”…and so did many of us.  I mean, Kirk was part of this dynasty and his significance goes beyond the total number of points he has scored in his whole UAAP career. His seamless transition from being an offensive player to the defensive juggernaut that he is now has given us at NFP even much more respect for him. Like Baclao and Salamat, Kirk has mastered the art of intimidation through sheer hustle and lock-down defense. I’d think twice before I put the ball on the floor if Kirk was guarding me. Heck, even the passing lanes were closed out as easily. Kirk has become Ateneo’s defensive anchor as he has obviously taken the mantra of “defense wins ballgames” to heart. 

Bacon. Bacon. Bacon… It’s been a love-hate relationship between you and I.  We at NFP have been in constant battle with trying to defend you for your inconsistent play.  This is only because we know you are better than what people see. Nevertheless, you are a proven champion and we appreciate the pockets of brilliance you have provided the team in your 5-year service.  You got 4 collegiate rings to back up your rich history in Ateneo, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were indeed included in the Ateneo Hall of Fame for having the most championships as a blue-baller. You may not have been MVP in the collegiate ranks, but you’ve definitely achieved more than most basketball players have in their lifetime. So stay competitive and push your own boundaries, you are a warrior.

To be continued….



---MMPKP


Photos from fabilioh.com