Ateneo coach sees UAAP defensive role for ex-Mustang stalwart

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - Ateneo University Blue Eagles coach Norman Black sees a distinctive defensive role to be played by former West Negros University stalwart Nonoy Baclao when the incoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) varsity basketball wars reel off this school year. Speaking to reporters in Manila during the finals of the Nike Summer Tour, which the Blue Eagles won at the expense of the University of the East Warriors, Black said he feels Baclao's defensive talent can be a key factor if Ateneo wants to win this year's UAAP crown. "Noy's offense is a given but more than anything else, I think he will play a more complete role with his defense being put to effective use in key plays," said the former PBA import and Grand Slam coach for the San Miguel Beermen. Baclao was a key member of the WNU Mustangs team when they captured both the National University Games (UniGames) and the National Students Basketball Championship (Inter-Collegiate) titles. The prolific forward was also a product of the Monico Cup Inter-Barangay summer basketball tournament where he played once in the Under-19 category for Barangay Bata. Baclao's departure from the Mustangs, together with Sanny Abaring and point guard Junblargs Alisbo, both of whom now see action for the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the UAAP, left a gaping hole for the Mustangs lineup although the team continued to retain its crown in the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural and Educational Association (Nopsscea). - Sun.Star Bacolod