Strengthen grassroots program in PH – Angara
UNBEATEN leader Ateneo de Manila University eyes to move closer to a
The two-time champions Blue Eagles take on the Red Warriors at 12: 30 p. m., after Far Easter University (FEU) duels the winless National University (NU) at 10:30 a.m. and before University of the Philippines (UP) tries to extend its streak versus De La Salle University at 4 p.m.
Ateneo barely broke a sweat in notching its fifth win in a row at the expense of NU, 7150, three days ago. It was also the 15th straight victory of the Katipunan-based team dating back to last season.
Veteran tactician Tab Baldwin wants his Eagles to play their A- game even with the No. 7 Red Warriors ( 1- 4) are coming from a 56- 62 defeat to UP last Saturday.
“They’re dangerous like every
coach Tab Baldwin. “We can’t take anybody lightly and doing
Ateneo will bank anew on its league- best defense that held its opponents to a measly 57.4 points so far. The Eagles also lead in rebounding (50.8 per game) while running second in tallying assists (16.2) and forcing foes to turnovers (18.4).
Six-foot-10 center Ivorian Kouame, two-way guard Gian Mamuyac and captain Thirdy Ravena are tabbed to lead Ateneo’s charge.
UE’s one- and- done star Rey Suerte is expected to bounce back from his UAAP career-low four points. With the hard-luck Suerte misfiring, the Warriors were limited to a season- low 56- point production in their
previous outing.
Meanwhile, last season’s runnerup UP (4-1) will look to solidify its hold of No. 2 and extend its threewin roll against No. 6 La Salle (2-3).
Coach Bo Perasol, though, still sees the Fighting Maroons groping for form and he is hoping that they
Reigning MVP Bright Akhuetie, prized recruit Kobe Paras and forward Javi Gomez De Liaño will still be at the forefront of UP’s attack.
For its part, La Salle will go for a second consecutive win after its 68- 61 stunner over Adamson University.
“Just like our approach in every game, stick together and trust
mentor Gian Nazario, who will lean on last game’s hero Andrei Caracut, Justine Baltazar and Jamie Malonzo.
In the game day opener, No. 5 FEU (2-3) will try to get back on the winning track against the cellar-dwelling NU (0-5). Ateneo de Manila University’s Thirdy Ravena shoots a layup past Issa Gaye (right) and Enzo Joson (left) of National University during a Season 82 UAAP men’s basketball game. SAMAHANG Basketbol ng Pilipinas ( SBP) Chairman and Senator Sonny Angara stressed the need to build and maintain an effective sports grassroots program throughout the country during the recent Professional Sports Summit hosted by the Games and Amusement Board at the Philippine International Convention Center.
Angara, a staunch supporter of Philippine sports, is the author and sponsor of RA 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act; and of RA 11214 or the Philippine Sports Training Center.
Angara calls on every portion of our society — from the government to the private sector, schools and companies, teachers and businessmen, families and friends — to be on the look- out for the next Manny Pacquiao or Hidilyn Diaz.
“Every portion of our society must be ready to help the next Filipino superstar athlete train and improve their craft. Because just as it takes an entire village to raise a child, it takes an entire nation to train an Olympic medalist.”
Meanwhile, the Quezon City Council has passed a resolution urging the House of Representatives and the Senate to pass a law that would fully support national athletes competing in international competitions.
Former councilor and now District 1 Representative Anthony Peter Crisologo sponsored the City Resolution SP 78602019 that will support the growth of the national athletes in their respective events.
“Despite available funds, many competitors still find it hard to support themselves in their respective pursuit of excellence in their sporting events,” said Crisologo in a statement.
The Quezon City government recognizes its homegrown athletes who participate in local and international competitions as they give pride and honor to the city.
Then- City Mayor Herbert Bautista along with former Vice Mayor and now City Mayor Joy Belmonte commend the QC Muay Thai athletes who bagged medals during a Muay Thai National Finals last year.
Authored by Councilors Gian Carlo Sotto and Diorella Maria Sotto, City Resolution 7740- 2018 congratulates the 24- man Team Quezon City who bested 300 athletes from other cities and municipalities during the said competition.
Team QC brought home awards including six golds, 10 silvers, and five bronzes, from its 21 team members.