Bahay says spot in Ateneo team is earned, not given
For Jared Bahay, there’s a lot of things he needs to work on now that he has finally decided to stay home with his Ateneo family and play for the Blue Eagles beginning in the UAAP Season 87 this year.
Upon learning of Bahay turning his back from a prior commitment to the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, Ateneo pulled out all the stops to keep the highly sought-after point guard in the Eagles’ nest.
They succeeded on that. And Bahay made it official in a press conference on Thursday night at the Cebu Country Club graced by the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) bigwigs led by their school president Fr. Mike Pineda, Franco Soberano of the Cebu Landmasters, one of their benefactors, and Bahay’s manager Dr. Rhoel Dejaño.
“It’s really exciting to join the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles. I’m excited to play for them. I’m also excited to play under coach Tab’s leadership, with coach Sandy and the staff,” said Bahay.
His pronouncement comes with a great responsibility and a tough challenge knowing that a spot in the Ateneo team is something that the blue-chip Cebuano talent must earn as it could not just be given away.
“I feel honored to join Ateneo because they have a history of producing good athletes. But I still have to fight for my spot and earn my coaches’ and teammates’ respect,” admitted Bahay, who won back-to-back Juniors MVP awards in powering the Magis Eagles to a rare three-peat in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) last season.
Coach Rommel Rasmo, who helped polish the 18-year-old Bahay to be a top caliber player, is very confident that the pride of Mambaling, Cebu City would fit well with Ateneo’s system under the guidance of coach Tab Baldwin.
“Honestly and personally knowing him, I’m sure Jared will do well with Ateneo. He’s in good hands with coach Tab,” said Rasmo, who piloted the Magis Eagles to a recordequaling seven championship crowns in the CESAFI since their historic campaign in 2012.
“Kayang-kaya niyang maglead ng team. Right from the moment when he first joined us, we really see a bright future in him and that’s where he is right now.
We wish him well.
We are all excited na makita siya playing for Ateneo and I know lahat kami magiging proud sa kanya,”
Rasmo ended.