The advent of the post-Norman Black era could signal the end of a championship dynasty, but building championship teams is a perennial effort of the Ateneo basketball program. The pursuit of success and titles goes on and history will continue to be written as Team Ateneo continues to vie for the gold. Meet the three new recruits chosen to be part of the new chapter in Blue Eagles basketball.
Photo by Adrian F. Begonia
Gboy Babilonia
Gideon Ira Babilonia, also known as “Gboy,” a freshman majoring in management, epitomizes the notion that “defense wins championships.”
Considering himself a defensive player, this 6’5” former San Beda Red Cub embodies the aspects that make the role of a center extremely crucial: beginning the fast breaks, blocking shots, battling for rebounds and becoming the defensive backbone of a team.
At the raw age of 16, Babilonia has already accomplished so much in his basketball career. He was part of the Energen Pilipinas Under 16 Youth Team that swept the Southeast Asian Basketball tournament in Malaysia last August. Babilonia also led the Red Cubs to a three-peat NCAA championship, and became a member of the mythical five in the Palarong Pambansa last year.
Basketball and Babilonia have been inseparable since he was several years old. He grew up in a household where basketball was a regular topic at the dinner table. “Para sa akin, parang buhay ko na ang basketball (For me, basketball is very much my life),” he says. His older brother, Thomas Babilonia, also played for the Red Cubs in the NCAA. He cherishes precious moments of his childhood when he watched his dad, former PBA player Gido Babilonia, play the game.
Gboy will wear jersey number 25 this year, which is reflective of the importance of his father in shaping the athlete he has become. True enough, his father is his basketball idol, being the first one to teach him how to play.
Being a center just like his old man, Gboy wishes to emulate his dad’s game. This is a perfect fit since his dad played under Coach Norman Black with the San Miguel Beermen. Now, he will be playing for the Blue Eagles under the same coach.
Although he admits that he is having a hard time adjusting to the physicality of the collegiate level, he is excited for the upcoming UAAP season as the Blue Eagles strive for a five-peat.
Photo by Adrian F. Begonia
Kris Porter
Since the turn of the millennium, the Blue Eagles have had the luxury of talented big men dominating the paint. With inside men Nico Salva, Justin Chua and Greg Slaughter entering their final playing year in the UAAP, the task of continuing the tradition of excellent post-play falls into the hands of one of the team’s newest big men: Kristoffer James Porter.
Porter is a product of the Ateneo basketball system. This 6’5” power forward and center was one of the cornerstones of the Blue Eaglet team last year, as he led the juniors in both points and rebounds. This notable performance earned Porter a spot in the mythical five of the UAAP juniors’ basketball tournament.
Porter’s stellar play on the court has concealed one tiny thing about him: he started playing basketball late. Porter pointed out that his basketball career began on his second year at Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu. He even admits to being bullied on the court when he was still new to the game.
Despite these circumstances, Porter showed great potential and caught the attention of then Blue Eaglets coach Jamike Jarin, which led to a scholarship offer to play for the Blue Eaglets.
Porter has always put in hard work during practice. Thus, he now has an impressive arsenal of offensive skills at his disposal to utilize on the court. This, along with the toughness and physical play he brings to each and every game, will make him a force to reckon with in the paint.
On his upcoming rookie season, Porter confesses that he’s not expecting to see much playing time due to the team’s loaded frontcourt. He assures, however, that the Ateneo community can expect 100 percent effort from him, no matter how long his time on court may be.
“I’m going to do the little things: rebound, hustle plays, garbage stuff,” promises Porter.
It may not be his time yet, but with a terrific work ethic and a team-first attitude, Porter is destined for great things once the spotlight begins shining down on him.
Photo by Adrian F. Begonia
Isaac Lim
When asked why he chose the Ateneo, former De La Salle–Zobel point guard Isaac Jules Lim answers with a smile. “It’s destiny.”
Upon graduating from Zobel, Lim tried out for the Green Archers but their roster was full. He tried his luck with UP and UST, but failed. His childhood dream to play for the Ateneo, just like his idol, former Blue Eagle LA Tenorio, won him over to don the Blue and White.
Originally from Uno High School, he was recruited to play for Zobel in his third year. Prior to the move, the interdisciplinary studies freshman stood out especially when he exploded for a 61-point performance at age 11 for his first ever team—which he also helped win a title.
Despite his triumphs, Lim still thinks his shooting is his weakness. However, he knows his strong points, too—his speed is his forte, and he knows where perseverance will get him. “In college ball, you really need to review your plays and practice. I take note of all our countless plays on a board I keep at home,” he says. “[In high school], you could bank on your talent, but here, you need to use your brains.”
In the face of a championship streak, the former Junior Archer is undaunted by expectations of him. He is eager to take on challenges that his collegiate career will bring—even if it means working hard to establish himself in the team.
There is no need for him to worry, though; he’s got an entire team of veterans to learn from and learn with. Aside from being good friends with fellow rookie Kris Porter, veteran Frank Golla mentors him as well. “Not just basketball,” he laughs, “but more on life, too.”
Amid all the triumphs and rigors, his family keeps him grounded, and in turn, he strives to make them proud. “They’re always there during the ups and downs, and they always tell me that I can do it. I always try to work hard for them,” he shares.
Lim feels fortunate even just with the fact that he got into the team. “I first played against UP, and I was the happiest ever, even if it was just for four seconds,” he says. “It’s a dream come true.”
