INJURIES TO Blue Eagle Oping Sumalinog; the departure of Vince Burke, and the addition of Smart Gilas member Greg Slaughter.
This summer saw lots of activity in the Blue Eagles’ team roster.
With the inevitable departure of veteran players due to graduation, the Blue Eagles encountered a big hit when the vastly improving Oping Sumalinog suffered a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament in the opening game of the Fr. Martin Cup, early in March.
Sumalinog, whose scoring prominence, and defensive hustle played a crucial role in the Eagles’ Philippine Collegiate Champions League tournament victory—banking 14 points in their semi final victory against San Beda, and 11 points in Game 3 of the finals—is now on road to recovery.
While Sumalinog may miss the first half of the season, be sure that the Blue Eagle is determined to rehabilitate his knee back to full strength.
Another hit to the Blue Eagles is the departure of American power-forward Vince Burke.
Many may remember the Ateneo number 15 for hitting 2 big baskets in the 2008 UAAP season opener against La Salle. Talk about rising in high pressure situations, that was not only Burke’s first ever UAAP game, but it was also his first against rivals La Salle.
Unfortunately for the Blue Eagles, Burke has opted to join his family as they move back to the United States this coming August.
With a 3-point range, the American could have made a good complimentary player for the Blue Eagles.
But Burke said, “I wanted to continue my studies in the States and I can’t sacrifice school for basketball, so in this situation I have to sacrifice basketball for school.”
After having lived in the Philippines for 15 years, he admits that leaving won’t be easy.
“I got really close to a few guys on the team and I hope they don’t kill me for leaving,” Burke said.
Despite the minor setbacks however, there is a shimmering light for the Blue Eagles.
As they vie to retain their place at the top, the two-time defending UAAP champs have recruited Smart Gilas member, Greg Slaughter.
Having enrolled in Ateneo this summer, the 6-foot-11 former University of the Visayas (UV) player was a key force in steering the UV Green Lancers to their third straight title in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation.
It was this feat which put him on Smart Gilas Coach, Rajko Toroman’s, radar as one of the players seriously considered to join the national team. 
Of his decision to join the Blue Eagles Slaughter said, “I wanted to transfer to Ateneo because I know they have a good academic program and I wanted to be able to be full time with Smart Gilas while [also] being able to finish my degree, especially from a nice school like Ateneo.”
While Slaughter is required to complete a one-year residency—a UAAP regulation with regards to transferees—he will sit out his junior year with the Blue Eagles and play in Team B, but will be eligible to play in Season 74.