THE ATENEO Women’s Basketball team improved their record from a single win last season to finishing with seven wins and seven losses in this year’s University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). The Lady Eagles just missed out on their aim of a Final Four berth, placing fifth behind the National University, De La Salle University, the University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University.

Starter Therese Aseron and Mythical Five member Danica Jose led the Lady Eagles to their improved standing. Aseron was the team’s top sniper from beyond the arc as she made the most three pointers for Ateneo in the entire season. Jose had another stellar year as she averaged a double double of 14.8 points per game and 13.6 rebounds per game.

The Lady Eagles finished third in the league in terms of field goal percentage with 34.8%, while placing third in bench points production with 24.2 points per game. They also ranked second in the league in terms of fast break points as they tallied a total of 118 in the season. Despite their much-improved performance, the Lady Eagles have no plans in settling as they set their goals high for the succeeding season.

Preparations

The team’s preseason preparation was key, as both Aseron and Jose identified it to be important to the squad’s improvement. The Lady Eagles endured scheduled trainings twice a day over the summer, focusing on improvement in conditioning and physical prowess through weights training. Additionally, the team played preseason games in Davao for the players to gel together on the court and for the rookies to get exposure.

A lot of time was also invested in mastering the team’s playing system. The team had to adjust longer due to the rookies and the new coaching staff. The seniors credited Head Coach Erika Dy for tweaking how the team played. She integrated other systems and different plays, which helped maximize its personnel on both ends of the floor.

Jose also explained that the transformation of the team’s system was based on the roster. With a bevy of guards in the team, the Lady Eagles changed into a more fast breaking force, which was one of their reasons for focusing on conditioning. This allowed them to outrun and outlast opponents.

Seniors’ guidance

Jose and Aseron both admired their rookies, as they made a huge impact in this season. The newcomers were able to fill in different roles and play as effective backups to the team’s more senior players. Jose commended backup point guard Mariella Lamar, sharp-shooting Jollina Go and power forward Nicole Cancio. Aseron praised her own backup, Hazel Yam whom she said found her confidence while playing in preseason games in Davao.

Aseron explained, however, that it was inevitable for rookies to transition without getting jitters playing in the UAAP, where the intensity, level of competition and physicality is much higher than it was in high school. The seniors took the responsibility of helping the newcomers adjust to the UAAP, a tough but necessary challenge that every collegiate athlete must go through.

It was the same experience that Jose and Aseron went through as freshmen when they looked up to their seniors, who left before Season 76. “Nagulat kami na parang tayo-tayo na lang (We were surprised that it seemed like it was only us left),” says Aseron on their seniors graduating. The veteran players’ leaving created a hole in the leadership of the team.

This may have had an impact on their win record last season. “We lacked the experience on the court; the maturity,” recalls Jose in a mix of English and Filipino. “We weren’t used to not having [the seniors] around. We weren’t able to fully fill their spots.”

These battle-tested players credited their evolutions, from freshman year to the present day, to experience. In their rookie season, both Jose and Aseron were still trying to find themselves, their style of play and their roles within the team. But through continuous play, they were able to become the leaders they have blossomed into this season. Along the way, they also made it a point to help the rookies transition in the style of play of the college ranks. “Hindi puwede na, ‘Bahala kayo, [rookies]. Pinagdaanan rin namin ‘yan’ (It can’t be, ‘You take care of yourselves, rookies. We went through the same thing),’” says Aseron as she mentions that everything is a team effort.

 Looking forward

Next season, with only backcourt players Bee Bellarmino and Sara Bo-ot leaving, seniors Jose and Aseron expressed that they didn’t want to end their Ateneo basketball careers just yet. They, along with the other four seniors in the team, have all decided that they are playing out their fifth year of eligibility.

“I don’t think I can end my basketball career like this. There’s no closure. I still have a reason to stay after what happened. I’m still hungry for that championship,” said the Season 77 Mythical Five awardee. Aseron followed up by emphasizing that next season would be their last year and that they’re aiming for a championship. “Ito na talaga. Wala na kaming ibang iisipin (This is it. We’re not going to think of anything else).”

After transforming a lackluster season into a near Final Four berth, the Lady Eagles are determined to take their success up a notch. The standards are only getting higher for the team and anything short of their ultimate goal will be a disappointment. “You can end your basketball career with an almost, getting there, what-could-have-been kind of story,” says Jose. But she claims that that’s not going to be the way they’ll finish their career. “You can’t end a chapter that way.”

Updated: Nov. 12, 2014, 12:21 AM