With twin towers Kacey dela Rosa and Sarah Makanjoula working time and time again, the pressure goes on the Ateneo Blue Eagles backcourt to come through in UAAP Season 88.
The picture is clear for the Ateneo Blue Eagles as far as head coach LA Mumar is concerned, that the key to breaking through against the top of the pack in UAAP women’s basketball will be their backcourt players in UAAP Season 88.
With reigning two-time MVP Kacey Dela Rosa and Sarah Makanjoula manning the inside, there is little to ask for from what Mumar has since dubbed Ateneo’s “twin towers.”
Standing tall with a 7-3 slate, the Blue Eagles have stood their ground against the rest of the field, but have faltered when it comes to facing the top 2 — mainly, defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs and current league leaders UST, who are still undefeated after 10 games.
Mumar, having led Ateneo to multiple trips to the Final Four in recent years, said that there needs to be growth in the guard position, especially with second year players and rookies filling the gaps in the backcourt.
“Our guards need to mature and grow. And I think our twin towers are solid. So, when the guards start maturing [with] our wings, we'll be ready for prime time,” Mumar said after their recent win over UE.
He’s not one to drag down his own players, though, and did underscore that they are already on their way.
But with Kai Oani only in her second year, and the likes of Hannah Lopez and Erika De Luna still in their rookie season, there really isn’t much to expect from them in terms of championship experience.
Still, Mumar believes they are nearing a breakthrough — hopefully, in time for this season’s playoffs.
“The teachability is there for sure. Ganda ng attitude. Konting experience, saka, ano, konting tono. Hopefully, we can match up to those top two teams,” he said.
Stepping up to the challenge
For De Luna and Lopez, they are taking Mumar’s takes in stride.
They understand what they need to do and are eager to learn, even as they both play their first years in the UAAP women’s division.
Even though Mumar has named their positions specifically, De Luna and Lopez know that it is always going to be a team effort.
With the likes of Dela Rosa, Makanjoula, and Oani at their side, along with their other veteran teammates, they feel comfortable enough to take on their biggest hurdles.
“Ako, syempre, chinachallenge ko rin yung sarili ko para mag-improve pa. And, lagi naman nandyan-dyan yung teammates ko and coaching staff para i-guide ako sa kung anong kailangan ko pang i-improve.” said De Luna, who made history during her high school days after getting a quadruple-double for La Salle Zobel.
“Willing naman ako mag-learn sa mga tinuturo nila kasi gusto ko talagang matalo yung nasa taas and manalo at makaabot kami sa championship.” she added.
Meanwhile, Fil-Am Lopez is looking at things with a mindset that’s a little more manageable. Knowing her role, she’s taking things step by step.
“I'd say what coach said, one game at a time, that's how we'll grow, is by even reflecting on this game, seeing what we can do better as guards. So yeah, following games, just keep learning.” she said.
The Blue Eagles face their next hurdle against arch rivals La Salle who will be hard-pressed for a victory as they chase a semifinal spot. They face off on Sunday, November 9, 7pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
—
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.