Sophomore guard Jared Bahay is looking to call the shots better as the "rebuilding" Ateneo Blue Eagles aim to make noise in UAAP Season 88.
Jared Bahay is raring to get things going for his second year in the UAAP, with the Ateneo Blue Eagles eager for a redemption bid in Season 88.
Bahay, who was thrust into a leadership role by head coach Tab Baldwin last season, is coming into this new year with more experience under his belt.
Eyeing for a bounce back after missing the Final Four in Season 87, Bahay said that he expects a better version of himself to see action for Ateneo in Season 88.
“Personal expectations? [To be] a better leader, a better floor generally,” Bahay told One Sports.
“[I expect to be] more composed, more poised. I think that’s it,” he continued.
Among the biggest lessons for Bahay from his freshman year was how to rally the cavalry of the Blue Eagles.
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Despite coach Baldwin’s commanding presence at the sidelines, he also expects Bahay to take the lion’s share of the responsibility of leading the pack on court.
After getting through his baptism of fire in Season 87, Bahay believes that he's now battle tested.
With a clean slate in Season 88, it’s now his time to take flight.
“I think the biggest lesson [for me] would be from learning how to lead our team,” Bahay said.
“Because coach have always said that this team needs to be a player-driven, player-led team. I think it’s just leadership.”
Though many still consider Season 88 as a rebuilding year for Ateneo, Bahay is setting lofty goals for himself and his fellow Blue Eagles.
Jared Bahay enters Year 2 at Ateneo with renewed confidence. Photo: RM Chua
After missing out on the Finals for two years in a row, the sophomore point guard is eager to restore the previous glory of the Ateneo Blue Eagles' men’s basketball program.
“Our team is a better team compared to last year. I think we have a really big chance for this year so we [have to] take the opportunity to win every game and win the championship this year,” he said.
Bahay and the rest of the Blue Eagles open their Season 88 campaign on Saturday, September 20, against the FEU Tamaraws at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.