a tribute to the blue and white

And so it ended in two games. We played our rivals in four games this season. We did not lose focus. We never blinked. Not even once.

It was a valiant effort, nonetheless, for the opposing team and defending champions. They came at us like wolves hungry for a kill. From the onset they put tremendous pressure against us, and slowly the eagles started to succumb. Error after error, mistakes after mistakes, the frustration piling. Not without a fight, said the star archer, who gave a commendable performance as he tried his best to carry the archers on his shoulders. But with everything said and undone, the toughest of men survived. The rightful champions emerged victorious.

The Mentor

It all started with him. The process it took to mold one of the best teams to ever grace the league, one of the best teams to ever wear the blue and white armor. Four years it took him, after he jumped from coaching in the professional leagues to teaching in the collegiate. Four years, that included a lot of defeats, injuries, expectations, disappointments, pressure and letdowns. Some wanted him to be better, some wanted him out, but all he wanted was time. Time to mold the freshmen he coached four years back to wise, mature senior basketball players. Time to show them that his system works.

The Team

Individuals did not win today. Players did not win today. The Team won today. With the key players in key positions playing in key minutes, the opposition did not stand a chance. They might have had a menacing and often effective full court press at their disposal, but our stronghold half court defense could not be penetrated. We had arguably the best starting five in the league, full of offensive power and defensive agility, and our reserves were beaming with high potential and understated talent.

The Rookie

He was the hype. He created excitement and generated buzz among peers. Spectators, players and even coaches all gazed at the amazing potential this man has. Coming from a sensational junior career, expectations were set high. By the end of his first senior season, expectations were met. Is this a sign of things to come? Now everyone is waiting to see what more this man can offer.

The Center

Undoubtedly the most improved player of the year, he came as the big tournament surprise as no one expected this man to perform as well as he did. And surprise eventually grew to amazement, as he truly became the center of attention for opponents matching up with us. What looked like a boy the past seasons matured to a man, overnight, and is now likened to the unstoppable force of gravity. He was our man on the offensive, putting up shot after shot, sinking them one by one. He was crowned most valuable player of the season and will be a force to reckon with for one more year.
The Anchor

Throughout the season, his efforts were seen more on the defensive end than on the offensive. He is the anchor of our defense, the true testament of a solid, dedicated player. He stood ground whenever the opponents mustered the courage to go against him. He flew, like the eagle that he is, whenever an archer decides to raise his bow and aim. Time after time, they threw up prayers against him. Time after time, he rejected them. It is only befitting to declare him the most valuable player of the series.

The Captain

Even with two most valuable players and one rookie of the year on the fray, we all know that this blue and white team belongs to him. From day one we all had our eyes on this veteran and placed on his shoulders our hopes of a championship. There can only be one King Eagle, and true to form, he showcased the skill set and the values that we stand for. He led the attack on the court, keeping his men focused and in place. He delivered whatever the team needed in every game, and this final game was no exception. He displayed character and composure to keep the enemy at bay. He gave himself to the game and left everything on the court. The game, in turn, was his.

Now, on a hill, between the earth and sky, there stands the bravest. The strongest. The best.

The Captain.

The Anchor.

The Center.

The Rookie.

The Mentor.

The Team.

The Ateneo.