Ateneo’s key players suit up for Hapee in PBL

MANILA, Philippines – After winning the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men's basketball title, the core players of the Ateneo Blue Eagles will aim for a bigger mission of conquering the Philippine Basketball League (PBL). UAAP season 71 most valuable player Rabeh al-Hussaini and Final's MVP Nonoy Baclao will join hands along with other key players as they suit up for Hapee Toothpaste in the PBL, which is set to open next month. The Eagles were tapped to join the Teeth Sparklers after Lamoiyan Corporation team owner Dr. Cecilio Pedro renewed his tie-up with Ateneo de Manila University. It was during the 2003 and 2004 season when Hapee under coach Junel Baculi won back to back crowns with the likes of Enrico Villanueva, LA Tenorio, Wesley Gonzales and Rich Alvarez as the stars of the team. “The tie up is for two years," said Hapee team manager Bernard Yang. “When we last won the title in back-to-back fashion, we then have Ateneo players. Hopefully we can win again a title with the core players of the Eagles around." The Teethmasters are undergoing a revamp since most of their star players from last conference were either drafted or signed by different teams in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Fil-Am Gabe Norwood, Reed Juntilla, Larry Rodriguez and Mark Borboran are now with different PBA teams after leading the team to back-to-back runners-up finishes against Harbour Centre in two PBL conferences last season. Joining Al-Hussaini and Baclao are Eric Salamat and Jai Reyes while veteran Chris Tiu opted to join his teammates at the Hapee squad despite having the chance to play in other PBL teams. Tiu played his final season with Ateneo in the UAAP. - GMANews.TV