By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Head coach Tab Baldwin and his staff aren’t taking any rest despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UAAP Season 82 champions are already doing what’s needed the most, and that’s to fill in the absence of their core players who just graduated from college.
Following the hoisting of their championship banner last Season 82, the Blue Eagles also lost the services of the ever-reliable Nieto brothers – Matt and Mike, center Isaac Go, and King Eagle Thirdy Ravena.
However, the loss of these prized players was never an issue for coach Baldwin and his crew and said that they just need to keep playing within the system.
With mainstays Ange Kouame, SJ Belangel, Tyler Tio, Gian Mamuyac, Will Navarro, and Matthew Daves still there, the Blue Eagles remains as one of the top teams in the upcoming Season 83.
Furthermore, rising stars Dwight and Eli Ramos will be gracing the blue and white together with returning players Raffy Verano and Jolo Mendoza.
Also, in anticipation of Kouame’s graduation, Ateneo already has two prospects enrolled in 20-year-old Kofi Agyei from Ghana and 21-year-old Nigerian Joseph Obasa.
Agyei, a 6’5’’ multi-sport athlete, already committed to the team and will have to finish his one- year residency before suiting up for the squad.
Meanwhile, the 6’10’’ Obasa, plays the center position and is with the same club with Agyei, Blue Eagles team manager Epok Quimpo revealed.
With the loaded acquisitions Ateneo managed to do despite the pandemic, expect a more prepared Blue Eagles squad heading into Season 83.
