Ateneo prepares for UAAP season, makes round in summer leagues

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning UAAP champion Ateneo will make the rounds in various summer leagues starting this month as part of its preparation for Season 72. The Blue Eagles swept La Salle in last year’s UAAP Finals, 2-0, but lost to the Green Archers for the Philippine Collegiate Championship national crown. Ateneo would see action in the Nike Summer League, where they are also the defending champions, and in the 2009 Filoil-Flying V Pre-Season Manuel V. Pangilinan Cup, which is slated to begin on April 18 at The Arena in San Juan City. The Eagles’ Team B would see action in the summer edition of the Fr. Martin Cup. Majority of last year’s lineup will return with 13 being able to play next season. Ateneo would be missing Chris Tiu, Jobe Nkemakolam, and Yuri Escueta. Meanwhile, last season’s UAAP basketball defensive player of the year Nonoy Baclao and MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini have chosen as members of the Smart Gilas National Team. “They (Baclao and Al-Hussaini) are OK. It will be difficult (adjusting and playing for two teams)," said Ateneo coach Norman Black. “But they are still in school." Baclao and Al-Hussaini would be committed to the national team until May 22, and then the two would devote their time to Ateneo for the UAAP season. – GMANews.TV