falling for an arch rival!

Its been six days after my first UAAP experience but the feeling is still there. Excitement, kilig and tension. I cans still smell the game.

But what made me sleepless for the past 6 nights was not really about the team that I was routing for. It doesn't make any sense right? How can I think of an arch rival when the victory was with my team and I am also doing some comments to the team captain of my fave team? This would sound ridiculous to my friends especially those who were really my basketball buddies.

Almost seven years ago, I saw this guy wearing a green jersey playing basketball in tv. I was really astounded by his performance. He was a good playmaker, a go to guy and a floor leader to his teammates. I started to love watching that basketball show and it was the start of my UAAP journey. After a few more games, I’ve learned that the guy I was actually watching was called COOL CAT and was a member of the LA SALLE varsity team. It did not really made sense to me. I did know the history of UAAP back then. So I started checking the history of the league. I’ve learned that La Salle had long rival (way back in NCAA time), the Ateneo. But it didn’t bother me at all. I continued to admire that guy and even prayed that he’ll make it to the pros. After a year of following his career, I have learned to love the league as well. By the year 2002, ‘twas a challenge for me to defend Mr Cool Cat to some friends who were Ateneo believers. My friends had always hated the green archers because of their playing attitude. But I remained positive since I saw Mike’s determination and professionalism. During the finals season of the UAAP season (2002), Mike had to suffer a few criticisms which for me were unfair like he sold his game to the other team or he really wanted Ateneo to win and such rumors. I was mum. By the time he left UAAP and transferred to the pros, I was even happier since he became part of the team that I was also following since the time I was born (?). After settling to the pros, I started thinking. Will I still continue to be an archer or its about time to weigh things. Just when I thought I made the right choice, I was also starting to plan for my college application. I bumped into different people and most of them are La Sallites. That’s where I’ve started to really observe the archers during their games and indeed they were really “maangas” and I hated it. I told my self, “Bakit di ko na notice yan during mike’s time?” Now it was very visible.With macmac Cardona and Joseph Yeo as captains and go-to-guy of this team, I made a decision that I had to let go of my fondness of La Salle. But I have to admit, Yeo and Cardona were indeed exceptional in terms of basketball. But for me, attitude does its part too.

After scouting for a new team, I have come to a decision that I would go for a team with good basketball philosophy and values and academic background. A team that even without basketball, the players could still be successful in the field that they’ve chosen. I was torn between UP and Ateneo. In terms of basketball, Ateneo was ahead and UP was far far behind but both have good academic programs for their athletes so I chose Ateneo since UAAP is about basketball and sports in general.

For 6 years I became an Ateneo believer. I have seen how their basketball program changed from Joel Banal to Norman Black as well as how the players started and exit the team. The rookies that they’ve recruited and the pros that they’ve created; indeed Ateneo made a difference in a league that actually centers in basketball. The team has grown to be an unpredictable and continuously surprise every time they go out of their dug out and play the game. For so many seasons, the team was forecasted to be the least to reach the final four but never the less; they proved them wrong and every year they get better and better.

So how is this connected to my dilemma for the past days?

Well, after watching the ADMU-LA SALLe game last Sunday, things started to change for me. After seeing one guy who played so hard and lead his team had caught my attention again and unfortunately, he came from the other team, my arch rival. JC CASIO. Two words: ATTITUDE and ABILITY. His attitude toward the game is awesome. He was never pikon and always made sure that he could take those shots seriously. His ability to drive and destroy the defense of Ateneo and the flawless three-point shot that he would take, swept me off my feet. He is undeniably a hard court prince for me.

Now, I am just happy that my fondness of basketball has reached its maturity. Its not about winning and loosing a game, but how you played it. Your win will just be the icing to the cake that you createdvwhile loosing will help you get better the next game. Nothing to loose, its just about taking side. I dare you to take side too.

But remember, no matter how I admire JV Casio for his basketball prowess, I remain to be an ATENEO believer for the same reason that I had six years ago. ONE BIG FIGHT ATENEO.