The ADMU Blue Eaglets pose after their welcome lunch at the Casino Español.
contributed
Blue Eaglets using pocket tournament to test skills against tougher opponents
The Ateneo Blue Eaglets are not here in Cebu for a vacation, said head coach Joe Silva.
Rather, they’re here to learn and get better as they face off not just against Cebu champions Ateneo de Cebu but two other college teams from the region in the San Remigio Properties Invitational Tournament.
Silva said it is not common practice for his high school squad to travel to different places to compete. But when San Remigio Properties and Ateneo de Cebu came calling with an invite to play in the pocket tournament, they jumped on the opportunity.
“We’re excited and privileged that San Remigio and Ateneo de Cebu invited us over so that we can test ourselves against Ateneo de Cebu and these college teams,” said Silva during the welcome lunch that was prepared by Ateneo alumni at the Casino Español.
The two college teams are the Western Leyte College Mustangs and the Colegio de Sta. Ana of Victorias.
With his team set to become the youngest in the UAAP next season, Silva said it was imperative that his squad becomes more mature fast.
“It’s really an advantage for us to play against bigger and stronger people. Plus Sacred Heart is a formidable team, they’re no pushovers as well. We relish this opportunity to face older people,” Silva said. “Maturity, composure and endgame poise, those are the things that we want to work on.”
Silva also said that he is looking forward to bigger things from Kai Sotto, the 7-foot, 15-year-old, who won Rookie of the Year honors last season.
“We’re surprised with his development. He is not your prototypical back-to-the-basket big guy.”