Blue Eaglets Fly Higher to Reach New Altitudes
Experiencing first-hand the emergence of Kai Sotto and Lebron Lopez
Before they even started receiving offers to play overseas, 7'3 wunderkind Kai Sotto, and Lebron “Ready for Takeoff” Lopez, had their humble beginnings with the Ateneo Blue Eaglets, the high school representative of Ateneo de Manila for the UAAP Juniors Basketball division.
Being a student manager for both seasons 81 and 82 gave me a behind-the-scenes pass to every game and practice the two stars played in their final seasons in the UAAP, and how they were when the spotlight wasn’t on them.
Though they were never able to team up together for the Blue and White, they both balled out in their respective final year. Kai was the undisputed season 81 MVP with averages of 25.1 points on 60.3% shooting, 13.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. While Lebron on the other hand, or as we call him, “Francis”, made the most of his lone season in the UAAP with averages of 16.0 points on 45% shooting, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game, enough to garner him a spot in the Mythical Five.
But what were they like off the court?
Simple. They were like any other high school kid who had a love for the game. In all honesty, the only difference between them and us is really their height. All things aside, they enjoyed going out with their friends to eat, bond by going to malls, and occasionally watch movies. Deep inside, they really are just kids with the sky’s potential.
And like any other person, they had shortcomings too by being late to practices at times, or by struggling to master a Math lesson. But one thing’s for sure, they didn’t let these mistakes hinder them from achieving success. They learned from them and ultimately were able to attain their high school diplomas, all the while having to practice every day for two and a half hours which included 5 AM Saturdays, and that’s not even counting their strength and conditioning training.
Para sa Bayan
Not only did they have to conform to the rigorous standards of Ateneo High, but there were also occasional nights when they had to go straight to the Meralco Gym in Pasig for their Batang Gilas practices right after practicing in Moro. That’s at least five hours straight of non-stop basketball. But as we saw in the latest Asia Cup Qualifiers, it was all worth it.
The Captain of our Ship
Without question, part of their success was due to our hardworking coaching staff, especially being under the guidance of our mentor, Coach Reggie Varilla. To be able to transform and develop two skinny raw kids into international prospects is no joke, and I believe will stand the test of time.
The homegrown mentor is someone who would treat all of his “kids” equally, no one is above the other, especially the stars. Everyone was required to go to class or there would be consequences. He also encouraged everyone to do “extra work” on a daily basis because “Magis” was a mantra that he preached every day.
Off the court, he would always try to bond with us by planning team-building activities, and we would occasionally hear his corny dad jokes here and there.
How I will Remember them
Many will remember the two for their highlights and dunks, unquestionably so. But I won’t. I’ll remember them for the friendships formed, the camaraderie, the small pep talks every day before practice, the hype me up moments before every game, and every chance we were able to share a meal as one team. I’ll remember them for giving a One Big Fight every game, not only for the name at the back of their jerseys but especially for the one in front. I’ll forever remember them as kids who dreamt BIG.
Next in Line?
With two straight seasons of being able to produce potential NBA prospects, no one can deny the success of the Ateneo Blue Eaglets program and its emphasis on player development.
Some notable names that have committed to the seniors level of the UAAP are Forthsky Padrigao, Josh Lazaro, and Geo Chiu for Ateneo, Joaquin Jaymalin for Adamson, Raf Pangilinan for UST, and many more in Ateneo’s Glory Be Team.
Hopefully, we get to see the return of the Juniors division in Season 84 because who knows what Ateneo might be brewing up next?
Photo Credits: Joji Lapuz and Leo Lopez of Fabilioh
About the Author
My name is Migs Asis, a sophomore ITE student in Ateneo. I have a passion for sports, food, and movies, and writing about basketball is an outlet to express a sport that has done wonders for me. Bucks in 7 :)
